Senior Portfolio Development Manager

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

M12 is Microsoft’s corporate venture capital arm, focused on early-stage investments in AI across developer, security, infrastructure, and deep tech. Since 2016, M12 has partnered with over 120 companies, helping them scale through access to Microsoft’s ecosystem and resources. The team is headquartered in San Francisco and Seattle. The Senior Portfolio Development Manager will specialize in AI Infrastructure, AI Local, and GPU optimization, supporting startups working on AI models, platforms, and applications. The role accelerates portfolio companies’ growth by connecting them with Microsoft’s technology stack, go-to-market channels, and strategic partnerships. It combines technical understanding of AI infrastructure with business acumen to develop strategies that create mutual success for Microsoft and portfolio companies. The role involves understanding each company’s needs and opportunities and aligning them with Microsoft’s strategic initiatives, internal product teams, and customer priorities. Acting as an extension of portfolio companies, the manager works on channel sales, product development, and co-marketing strategies, while building close relationships with founders and executive teams. The position supports M12’s existing and future portfolio companies and provides exposure to startups, venture capital, and cross-functional work at Microsoft. This is a full-time position based in Redmond, Washington, with three days in the office each week and typically 10% travel throughout the year. The position is classified as Portfolio Development IC4.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Operations, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, and 4+ years of experience in partner management, sales, business development, product management, engineering, marketing, human resources, or partner channel development in the technology industry; or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Business Science, or an advanced STEM degree, and 8+ years of experience in partner management, sales, business development, product management, or partner channel development in the technology industry; or equivalent experience.

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’s infrastructure stack, Azure AI, Copilot, and other advanced platforms.
Build relationships across Microsoft Engineering, AI Research, Product, Sales, and 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 AI startups’ technical differentiation and strategic alignment.
Contribute to M12’s culture by embracing diversity, fostering trust, and driving innovation.
Work with portfolio companies on topics including channel sales, product development, and co-marketing strategies.