Senior Portfolio Development Manager

Overview M12 is Microsoft’s corporate venture capital arm, focused on early-stage investments in AI covering developer, security, infrastructure, and deep tech . Since 2016, we’ve partnered with over 120 companies, helping them scale through access to Microsoft’s ecosystem and resources. Headquartered in San Francisco and Seattle, M12 is at the forefront of shaping the future of AI innovation.

As a Portfolio Development Manager specializing in AI Infrastructure, AI Local and GPU optimization , you will work with cutting-edge startups securing AI models, platforms, and applications. Your mission is to accelerate their growth by connecting them to Microsoft’s technology stack, go-to-market channels, and strategic partnerships.

This role blends technical understanding of AI Infrastructure with business acumen, enabling you to craft strategies that deliver mutual success for Microsoft and our portfolio companies.

Success will be achieved by developing a detailed understanding of the companies‘ needs and opportunities, and aligning those to Microsoft’s strategic initiatives, internal product teams, and customer priorities. You will work as an extension of our companies on topics ranging from channel sales and product development to co-marketing strategies.

Our team forms close relationships with our founders and executive teams to help them in their journeys. Successful execution in this role is what will help distinguish our team from other venture funds and corporate investors.

This role will be focused on supporting M12’s existing and future portfolio companies. Working at M12, you will gain invaluable exposure to the startup ecosystem and learn how companies are built at different stages. You will also develop skills and knowledge about the world of venture capital and get experience working across a variety of teams and functions at Microsoft.

Over time, someone in this role will establish an extensive network of connections both externally and internally. Our team members benefit from a nimble and innovative environment, constantly learning about new technology categories and trends, while being entrepreneurial and creative in bringing value to our startups and Microsoft.

We place a premium on diversity of ideas and are excited to add new perspectives to our team. We value accountability, continuous learning, creative thinking, inclusiveness, teamwork, transparency, and trust.

This is a full-time position based in Redmond, Washington. This role requires 3 days in the office each week and typically involves 10% travel throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep knowledge of portfolio companies’ business models, technical roadmaps, and market positioning.
• Translate startups’ product goals into successful partnerships with Microsoft, leveraging Microsoft Infrastructure stack, Azure AI, Copilot, and other advanced platforms.
• Build relationships across Microsoft (Engineering, AI Research, Product, Sales, Corporate Strategy) to align investments with strategic initiatives.
• Experiment with new programs to scale adoption and accelerate portfolio growth.
• Partner with M12 investors to assess technical differentiation and strategic alignment of AI startups.
• Contribute to M12’s culture by embracing diversity, fostering trust, and driving innovation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Literacy: Understanding of AI infrastructure business, GPU optimization and bleeding edge AI technologies
• Startup Engagement: Ability to empathize with founders, navigate ambiguity, and provide actionable guidance on scaling AI products.
• Influence & Collaboration: Drive results across complex technical and business environments, influencing internal teams and external partners.
• Execution Excellence: Proven ability to own projects from concept to launch, with measurable impact.
• Analytical Thinking: Strategic analysis skills to evaluate market trends and connect opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Creativity and willingness to experiment with new ideas in a fast-paced environment.
• Ethics & Responsible AI: Commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI deployment.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Operations, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years partner management, sales, business development, product management, engineering, marketing, human resources, or partner channel development in the technology industry experience
• OR equivalent experience.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with data governance, model evaluation, and responsible AI principles.
• Experience working at a startup or with entrepreneurs in the AI space.
• Understanding of corporate innovation processes and enterprise AI adoption.
• Excellent communication skills for translating technical concepts into business value.
• Experience with channel partnerships, cloud marketplaces, and ecosystem product integrations.

Portfolio Development IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 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 $137,600 - $222,600 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.