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Sand Hill Road
Microsoft M12's Michelle Gonzalez
Nov 9, 2023
The podcast explores Microsoft M12's strategic shift towards incubation and long-term investments, including an investment in Typeface focusing on generative AI and content creation. It also discusses Microsoft's transformation, the emergence of virtual reality, and the importance of understanding perspectives outside Silicon Valley.
27:30
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Quick takeaways
- M12, Microsoft's Venture Capital Fund, shifted its focus from financial returns to long-term benefits for Microsoft, with a thesis-driven approach and expertise in cybersecurity, AI, cloud infrastructure, deep tech, and enterprise SaaS.
- Embracing ambiguity and encouraging risk-taking is crucial for M12 to thrive in the venture capital industry, while streamlining processes like performance reviews enables more productive work.
Deep dives
M12: Microsoft's Venture Capital Fund with a Strategic Shift
Michelle Gonzalez explains how M12, Microsoft's Venture Capital Fund, made a significant strategic shift from focusing solely on financial returns to prioritizing investments that would benefit Microsoft in the long term. The team now has a thesis-driven approach and concentrates on areas such as cybersecurity, generative AI, cloud infrastructure, deep tech, and enterprise SaaS. They have subject matter experts who go deep in these areas and provide proactive support to portfolio companies. This pivot was met with some resistance, with executives and investors leaving, but it was considered crucial to deliver more than just capital.
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