Michael is a Managing Partner at M12 – Microsoft’s Venture Fund, where he leads thesis areas in Generative AI, Gaming, and Systems. His interests include infrastructure and applications for efficient AI scaling and production, interactive and intelligent video gaming experiences, and energy, semiconductor, and photonics technology for future hyperscale compute systems. He has led 16 investments for M12 and serves on the boards of portfolio companies such as d-Matrix, InWorld, PsiQuantum, Armada, Volley, Fastino, Arcee, Syntiant, and nEYE Systems.

Michael began his investing career at Applied Ventures, where his investment areas included AI/ML hardware and software, silicon photonics, high precision robotics, and printed electronics. He led investments in twelve AV portfolio companies, including M12 portfolio company Syntiant, and exits include Persimmon Robotics (sold to Sumitomo), Digital Specialty Chemicals (sold to Entegris), Inpria (sold to JSR), and Rockley Photonics (NYSE:RKLY). Prior to joining Applied Ventures, Michael spent 15 years in advanced technology development in the semiconductor industry at Applied Materials and Intel Research, after postdoctoral work in a DARPA program for post-CMOS devices. Michael was co-founder of consumer electronics focused startup JUSE, and inventor of the low cost CRAFT Cell for silicon photovoltaics.

He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Purdue University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business, and is an inventor and author of more than 40 patents and 30 peer reviewed publications from his research and technical career (h-index: 31).