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...

Investing in earlier-stage businesses is a bit like dating. You weigh what's exciting and what's important to you against what doesn't work for either side. And if you walk away, it doesn't mean your date's wrong and you're right. It...

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.