The tech giant said M12 will focus on investment in start-ups that provide enterprise software solutions.

Microsoft's venture fund M12 has set up an office in Bengaluru that will bolster efforts in pursuing investment opportunities. The firm will pursue investment opportunities across the region, focussing on B2B software start-ups in the sectors such as applied artificial intelligence, business applications, infrastructure, and security.

The new office is a step forward in M12's long-term commitment to the Indian start-up ecosystem, Microsoft said in a statement.

Abhi Kumar, India Lead for M12, said: “Typically, we see the greatest hurdles in a start-up's journey as they scale from local success to global challengers, and then again when they go on to become category leaders. Both inflection points require specific and deep organisational strength, proven talent, GTM partnerships, and global investors. M12 is proud to be co-located in the region, and to bring experience and resources that will help start-ups successfully navigate these inflection points.”

The local arm will focus on investment in start-ups that provide enterprise software solutions. The company has already been remotely investing in India since 2019.