Michael Stewart has taken up a managing partner role at M12, the corporate venture capital arm of US software producer Microsoft, after nearly three years at the unit.
In his new role, Stewart will focus on generative AI, gaming and deeptech startups. He joined M12 as a partner in 2021 after six years at Applied Ventures, the strategic investment subsidiary of US semiconductor manufacturing services firm Applied Materials.
During his time at Applied Ventures, Global Corporate Venturing named Stewart a Rising Star in 2019 and an Emerging Leaders in 2021.
Formed in 2016 as Microsoft Ventures, M12 has almost 30 team members, 13 of whom are on the investment team. Corporate vice president, global head and GCV Powerlist member Michelle Gonzalez is leading the investment team, whose managing partners include Todd Graham and Peter Berg.
At M12, Stewart serves on the boards of portfolio companies, including AI research lab operator SynthLabs, silicon photonic quantum computer supplier PsiQuantum and Artificial, which is developing a lab automation platform.
