Associate M12

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.

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 

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 - $169,800 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 $113,300 - $187,400 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.