About the job
As a Senior Portfolio Development Manager specializing in AI Security and Applications, 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 security and AI with business acumen, enabling you to craft strategies that deliver mutual success for Microsoft and our portfolio companies.
Responsibilities
Develop deep knowledge of security portfolio companies’ business models, technical roadmaps, and market positioning.
Translate security startups’ product goals into successful partnerships with Microsoft, leveraging Microsoft Security, Azure AI, Copilot, and other advanced platforms.
Build relationships across Microsoft (Engineering, AI Research, Product, Sales, Corporate Strategy) to align investments with strategic initiatives.
Experiment with new programs to scale adoption and accelerate portfolio growth.
Evangelize M12’s Security for AI thesis internally and externally, providing insights on emerging AI trends and technologies.
Partner with M12 investors to assess technical differentiation and strategic alignment of security startups.
Serve as a trusted advisor to founders on topics such as agentic security, threat intelligence, data security and compliance, and responsible AI practices.
Contribute to M12’s culture by embracing diversity, fostering trust, and driving innovation.
Qualifications
Minimum
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.
Preferred
4+ years of relevant professional experience with exposure to security and AI technologies and/or the startup ecosystem.
Familiarity with data governance, model evaluation, and responsible AI principles.
Experience working at a startup or with entrepreneurs in the security or 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.
Experience in at least one of the following: cybersecurity, business development, venture capital, product management, strategy, or consulting.
Hands-on experience with security frameworks (e.g., MITRE Atlas, MIST) or cloud AI services.