Microsoft invests $275m in startups to support its mission

Microsoft’s VC arm M12 has $275M to invest this year

Microsoft’s venture capital (VC) arm, M12, has a substantial amount of capital at its disposal—$275 million to be exact—for the current fiscal year, according to sources familiar with the matter. The exact amount had been kept under wraps until now, but it is understood that Microsoft replenishes M12’s funds annually from its balance sheet. The funding given to M12 has remained relatively stable in recent years. Despite having this ample funding, the VC firm typically does not spend its entire allotment. It has been investing between $150 million and $250 million annually in start-ups, as insiders claim. The availability of this significant capital places M12 in a strong position to invest in the next big thing in technology.