About the role
M12 is the corporate venture capital arm of Microsoft focused on early-stage investments in Artificial Intelligence, B2B SaaS, Cloud Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, DevOps, and Gaming/Web3. We’ve had the honor of backing and help build over 100 great companies since launching the fund in 2016. Critically, M12 supports our portfolio companies with value-added resources through special access to Microsoft’s platform and services. M12 is headquartered in San Francisco with additional team members in Seattle.
We’re seeking an Associate to help build thesises around current and new domains of interest, monitor the market, source deals, build relationships with top-tier investors, support the investment processes and due diligence, and assist our portfolio companies as a member of the investment team. We place a premium on diversity of ideas and are excited to add new perspectives to our team. We value accountability, continuous learning, inclusivity, teamwork, transparency, and trust.
Responsibilities
Research and Market Exploration
Perform Continuous monitoring of market trends, industry news, and startup companies for potential investments in thematic areas supported by lead investor.
Track specific VCs, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, sector experts, research organizations, etc.
Perform high-quality research and analysis on key market and industry trends in defined theme areas to develop new insights and opinionated views
Help come up and promote new ideas and research activities in defined theme areas
Deal sourcing and support for Investment processes and Due Diligence
Attend industry conferences, building relationships with startups and venture investors
Source deals aligned to key themes and thesis areas for M12
Assist with due diligence evaluation of all relevant areas including a solid analysis of risks and opportunities (technological, industrial, intellectual property, commercial, economic, financial, HR, legal, compliance);Financial and unit economics analysis, valuation modeling using multiple methods
Document startup and investment team meetings
Track and report on deal flow generated by our team
Help preparing internal investment memos
Operational
Manage various operations such as (a) metrics tracking (b) financial and operational KPI documentation and reporting (c) production of portfolio presentations for periodic reviews (d) internal investment and valuation tracking
Generate content for signal exchange with senior leadership and other stakeholders including startup showcase meetings
Help create media & thought leadership content based on the fund’s investments and market research
Help to add value to our existing portfolio through research, introductions, and BD activities in partnership with our portfolio development team
Qualifications
Required qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, Architecture, or related field AND 3+ years full-time experience in venture investing experience, supporting partners in sourcing, diligence and deal execution; additional experience in investment banking, consulting, strategic consulting, investment banking, venture capital, building technology, product management, and/or enterprise entrepreneurial ventures experience
OR equivalent experience.
1+ year(s) experience on a deal team.
Preferred qualifications
A good understanding of financial and business analysis, unit economics and valuation modeling using multiple methods. Knowledge of sector and market analysis; ideally has performed market competitive and consulting presentations and studies
Demonstrated passion for Technology, Venture Capital, Start-ups, and entrepreneurship
Critical thinking using superior research and analytical abilities
Proficient writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills
Experience managing multiple projects under compressed timeframes
Ability to develop creative insights, recommendations, and solutions
Ability to influence internal and external audiences, stakeholders using evangelism, partnership, and networking skills
Demonstrated experience achieving results through collaboration in a team-centered environment
Willingness to work at times under time pressure due to competitive deal situations and short investment timescales
Positive, open, and flexible, intellectually curious with good listening skills, detail-oriented and a self-starter who enjoys working in a collegial workplace. Mental flexibility to be able to adapt to multiple audiences/cultures
Corporate Ventures IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $86,100.00 - $169,800.00 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $113,300.00 - $187,400.00 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
Aplyr's read
Microsoft is a technology giant shaping global computing, attracting talent interested in innovation and impact across software, cloud, and AI sectors.
What's promising
- •Strong commitment to innovation in AI and cloud computing.
- •Diverse range of roles from technical to managerial, offering career growth.
- •Financially stable with a robust global presence and market influence.
What to watch
- •Complex organizational structure can slow decision-making processes.
- •High competition for roles may limit entry-level opportunities.
- •Potential for work-life balance challenges in high-demand positions.
Why Microsoft
- •Pioneer in personal and business computing with a legacy of innovation.
- •Extensive global reach with a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.
- •Leader in integrating AI into mainstream software and cloud services.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About Microsoft
Microsoft is a global technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. Known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, Microsoft has a significant impact on personal and business computing worldwide.
- Founded
- 1975
