Portfolio Development Manager - AI Infrastructure, AI Local and GPU Optimization

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 aPortfolio 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.

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.