Alan Du
Partner
M12 - Microsoft's Venture Fund
M12 partner focused on AI applications, AI security, fintech, and enterprise software.
Bio
Professional summary
Michael Stewart is a Managing Partner at M12, Microsoft’s venture fund. His official profile states that he leads thesis areas in generative AI, gaming, and systems, with interests in efficient AI scaling and production, intelligent gaming experiences, and technologies supporting future hyperscale compute systems. He has led multiple M12 investments and serves on boards including d-Matrix, InWorld, PsiQuantum, Armada, Volley, Fastino, Arcee, Syntiant, and nEYE Systems. Earlier, he invested at Applied Ventures in AI/ML hardware and software, silicon photonics, robotics, and printed electronics. Before investing, he spent 15 years in advanced technology development in the semiconductor industry at Applied Materials and Intel Research. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Purdue University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business.
Investment focus
Stage, sector, and overall fit
Stage
venture-backed deep techAI infrastructure and systems companies
Sector
AIdeep techfuture of computegamingsemiconductorsphotonicsenergy infrastructure for compute
Thesis
Generative AIGamingSystemsFuture of computeSemiconductors and photonics
Notable companies
Selected portfolio companies the partner has backed
d-MatrixInWorldPsiQuantumArmadaVolleyFastinoArceeSyntiantnEYE SystemsApplied VenturesApplied MaterialsIntel Research
How to approach
Framing and angles for outreach
Pitch framing
Position around AI infrastructure, compute efficiency, systems bottlenecks, or deep technical differentiation rather than generic AI applications.
Personalization hooks
- 1Reference his combined investor and semiconductor R&D background.
- 2Tie the company’s technical moat to production-scale AI, future compute, or systems-level infrastructure.
Recent signals
What the partner has said or done recently
Official M12 profile lists active board roles across AI, compute, and deep-tech portfolio companies.
Background
Career, education, and skills
Career history
- M12 / Microsoft's Venture FundManaging PartnerUnknown – Present
- Applied VenturesInvestorUnknown – Unknown
Education
- UC Berkeley - Walter A. Haas School of BusinessMBA, Business
- Purdue UniversityPh.D., Chemistry
Skills
Generative AI InvestingDeep TechSemiconductorsPhotonicsGaming
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