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 - M12 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.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
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 Venture Capitals, 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, Human Resources, 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 key performance indicators (KPI) documentation and reporting (c) production of portfolio presentations for periodic reviews (d) internal investment and valuation tracking
- Generate content for signal exchange with 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 Business Development activities in partnership with our portfolio development team
Other
- Embody our culture and values
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 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.
- Venture investing experience, supporting partners in sourcing, diligence and deal execution
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 experience in Technology, Venture Capital, Start-ups, and entrepreneurship
- Critical thinking using superior research and analytical abilities
- Proficient writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills
- 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
Corporate Ventures IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $83,400 - $167,800 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 $108,900 - $183,000 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
Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.
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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.