The common image of Japan is of a conservative country where change happens slowly. That's true, but it's also a society that can shift very rapidly when the barriers to change suddenly fall. At that time, social consensus re-aligns efficient...

As the founding general partner of a U.S.-based venture capital firm, I'm taking a firm stand with my next fund. Going forward, at least half of the fund's portfolio companies will have at least one female founder.

Not only will...

Ask anyone to name some U.S. startups that made it big and they'll trot out global giants like Amazon, Facebook and Apple. Ask the same person to name a startup that went on to great things from Japan and you're likely to get a blank stare.