TOKYO -- Japan's publicly traded mutual funds will soon be able to invest in unlisted shares, a move that would let retail investors buy into early stage startups and allow those startups to tap more funding.
Industry change seen benefiting retail investors and fledgling companies alike

Allowing mutual funds to invest in unlisted shares would give Japanese startups access to a broader base of investors before going public. (Photo by Konosuke Urata)
TOKYO -- Japan's publicly traded mutual funds will soon be able to invest in unlisted shares, a move that would let retail investors buy into early stage startups and allow those startups to tap more funding.