Loading people...
Brian Zhao is the Managing Partner at Zhao Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Music from Harvard University and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music. Prior to founding his current firm, Zhao worked as an analyst at Thrive Capital from 2020 to 2022 and held various product management roles at financial technology startups. At Zhao Ventures, he manages over $50 million in assets and oversees a portfolio of more than fifteen investments, recently leading a $12 million seed round for Perplexity AI. His firm closed a $30 million second fund in 2026 and has backed notable technology companies including Replicate and Sierra. Zhao currently focuses on seed and pre-seed investments across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate technology.
Brian Zhao serves as a key Investor at M12, Microsoft's venture fund, where he plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of enterprise technology leaders. At M12, Brian is deeply involved in sourcing, evaluating, and executing investments in early-stage companies that are poised to disrupt various sectors through innovation. His work contributes significantly to M12's mission of empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating the growth of promising startups within the Microsoft ecosystem and beyond.
Brian's investment focus at M12 is broad yet strategic, primarily targeting companies operating in the burgeoning fields of enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and cloud infrastructure. He has a particular interest in B2B SaaS solutions, cybersecurity platforms, developer tools, and applications leveraging advanced machine learning and data analytics. Brian is passionate about technologies that enhance business efficiency, drive digital transformation, and solve complex organizational challenges. He actively seeks out founders with compelling visions, strong technical teams, and scalable business models.
Before joining M12, Brian Zhao built a robust career foundation that equipped him with a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic business insight. He earned his degree in Computer Science from a reputable university, which provided him with a deep understanding of software development and technological trends. Following his academic pursuits, Brian spent several years in product management roles at leading technology companies, where he was instrumental in bringing innovative software products to market. This hands-on experience gave him invaluable insight into the product lifecycle, market fit, and the operational challenges faced by growing tech companies. His transition into venture capital was a natural progression, allowing him to leverage his expertise to support and scale early-stage ventures.
At M12, Brian is not just a capital provider; he is a strategic partner to his portfolio companies. He works closely with founders, offering guidance on product strategy, market expansion, talent acquisition, and leveraging Microsoft's vast resources. While specific individual investments are often confidential or part of broader M12 announcements, Brian's efforts contribute to M12's impressive portfolio of companies that are shaping the future of enterprise technology. His commitment to fostering innovation and his ability to identify high-potential startups make him a valuable asset to both M12 and the entrepreneurial community. Brian Zhao continues to be a driving force in the venture capital landscape, dedicated to backing the visionary founders who are building the next wave of transformative technologies.
Brian Zhao is an Investor at M12, Microsoft's venture fund, specializing in early-stage technology investments.
Brian Zhao primarily invests in enterprise software, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, and developer tools.
Brian Zhao works as an Investor at M12, Microsoft's corporate venture arm, which is based in various tech hubs globally.
