Chris Young has resigned from M12.

Chris Young’s departure from his executive role at M12, Microsoft’s corporate venturing fund, marks the end of over four years with the organization. As the executive vice president of business development, strategy, and ventures, Young played a crucial role in overseeing the fund’s investments during tech investment boom years and the subsequent crash post-2022.

Joining Microsoft in 2020, Young brought his experience as the former CEO of McAfee, a US software company known for its anti-virus protection solutions. His three-year tenure at McAfee provided him with valuable insights and expertise that he carried over to his role at M12.

Established in 2016 as a subsidiary of Microsoft, M12 focuses on investing in companies across various sectors, including AI, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, healthcare, SaaS, and Web3. Through its strategic investments, M12 has supported innovative startups like Relyance, a US-based company specializing in AI-powered data governance and compliance platforms, and Fastino, known for developing foundational AI models.

During the last quarter of 2024, M12 participated in seven funding rounds, showcasing its commitment to fostering emerging technologies and groundbreaking solutions. However, in light of Chris Young’s resignation, the fund is undergoing a transition as it prepares for his successor to take the helm.

While Young intends to stay with the company until March to facilitate a smooth transition, he will not continue in his current role. The official announcement of his resignation, as per an SEC filing, indicates the forthcoming changes within M12’s leadership structure.

Notably, Young’s departure comes shortly after another key figure within M12, Chinedu Udeogu, left to join VC firm 53 Stations. The evolving dynamics within M12 underscore the fluid nature of the corporate venturing landscape and the opportunities it presents for seasoned professionals like Young and Udeogu.

As for Chris Young’s next steps, he remains tight-lipped about his future plans, leaving industry observers curious about where his expertise and leadership will be channeled next. His contributions to M12 and the broader tech investment ecosystem have been significant, and his departure marks a turning point for the fund as it navigates the evolving market landscape.