Andrew Smyth joined M12 to focus on cloud and cybersecurity deals, disclosing his first investment in database platform Neon in recent weeks.

Andrew Smyth has joined US software provider Microsoft’s corporate venture capital arm, M12, as a managing partner.

In his new role, Smyth is in charge of early-stage cybersecurity and enterprise infrastructure investments. He helped M12 lead a $25.6m round for US open-source database platform Neon earlier this month, investing alongside Abstract Ventures, General Catalyst, Menlo Ventures and Notable Capital.

Launched in 2016 as Microsoft Ventures, M12 backs companies developing offerings strategic to its parent firm. Target areas include AI, cloud, cybersecurity, developer tools, software-as-a-service, web3 and gaming technologies.



The M12 team is led by GCV Powerlist member Michelle Gonzalez, who has been managing the unit since 2021 as corporate vice president and global head. Earlier this year, corporate venturing veteran Michael Stewart was promoted to managing partner.



Previously, Smyth was a general partner at growth equity firm Atlantic Bridge for nearly a decade from 2015, and his investments included enterprise software companies like ProjectDiscovery, Ventrilo.ai and Stanza.

Edison Fu

Edison Fu is a reporter and Asia liaison at Global Corporate Venturing.