M12 Microsoft Ventures
About M12 Microsoft Ventures
M12 was founded in March 2016 as Microsoft Ventures and was renamed M12 in 2018. It is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with offices in Seattle, London, Tel Aviv and Bengaluru, so the India location in the brief is an office rather than the headquarters. Michelle Gonzalez, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, leads the firm. Microsoft is the only limited partner. A third-party profile describes a single evergreen fund, and the firm has not published fund sizes, so none are listed here.
M12 says it invests in promising seed through B-stage companies. Its stated AI focus areas include AI applications, security for AI, AI cloud infrastructure, AI data operations and models, and deep technology. Michael Stewart, a Managing Partner, leads thesis areas in generative AI, gaming and systems. Alessandro Levi, an Investment Partner, covers AI, deep tech and next-generation computing. Examples include M12's led $5M Series A in Cerebri AI in 2018, its 2019 Series A in Evisort, which Workday later acquired, and a $10M investment in Reach Security in 2025. M12 also states that it invests independently of Microsoft's business units, while staying aligned with Microsoft's product and customer ecosystem.
The firm's own website describes its target as seed through B-stage companies. Third-party profiles disagree on check sizes. One lists $100K to $10M, another lists a $1M minimum and $20M maximum, and a third gives typical checks of $1M to $4M at seed, $3M to $10M at Series A and $5M to $12M at Series B. None of these figures is confirmed by M12, so treat them as estimates.
- Evisort: AI-related company with a Series A in 2019; acquired by Workday.
- Cerebri AI: $5M Series A led by M12 in 2018.
- Reach Security: AI-powered assistant for operationalizing security controls; received a $10M strategic investment from M12 in 2025.
- Inworld: AI and gaming company; M12 describes itself as its most engaged investor (round year not public in the sources).
- Bolster: multi-channel phishing detection using large language models; M12 is listed as lead.
- Auctor: AI platform that reduces software deployment failures.
- Arcee AI: AI and developer infrastructure company; M12 is a co-investor in a Series B reported in September 2026.
- Mecka AI: $60M Series B reported in October 2026; listed in M12's portfolio.
Investing activity
M12 Microsoft Ventures is listed on Lounge as a venture capital investor based in India. The deals desk records Series A and later AI rounds and seeds over $10M, so smaller checks may not show here yet.
Deals
Frequently asked questions about M12 Microsoft Ventures
When was M12 founded and who leads it?
M12 was founded in March 2016 as Microsoft Ventures and renamed M12 in 2018. Michelle Gonzalez, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, leads the firm.
Which partners lead M12's AI investments?
Michael Stewart, a Managing Partner, leads AI, deep tech, gaming and systems theses. Alessandro Levi, an Investment Partner, focuses on AI, deep tech and next-generation computing.
What stages does M12 invest in?
M12's website says it invests in promising seed through B-stage companies. Third-party profiles also list Series A and Series B activity.
How large are M12's checks?
The firm has not published check sizes. Third-party profiles give conflicting ranges, so founders should confirm terms directly with M12.
Which AI companies has M12 backed?
Examples include Cerebri AI, Evisort, Reach Security, Inworld and Bolster. Its portfolio also lists more recent AI companies such as Arcee AI and Mecka AI.
Where is M12 Microsoft Ventures based?
M12 Microsoft Ventures is based in India.
How can founders reach M12 Microsoft Ventures?
Founders on Lounge can see M12 Microsoft Ventures's contact details in AI Investor Contacts (paid plans), check for a warm introduction through members who worked with the firm under Warm Paths, and add M12 Microsoft Ventures to their Investor Pipeline to track the conversation.