Japan’s smaller companies represent a “niche and overlooked” asset class, but that’s precisely the growth opportunity, says Brian Lum. The Baillie Gifford investment manager reveals some of the standouts he’s recently met, including a firm using AI to forecast the weather more accurately and another helping people with disabilities get hired.

Background:

Brian Lum became lead manager of Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon investment trust and joint manager of our Japanese Smaller Companies Fund in May. In this episode, he shares stories from a busy trip to the country, his first in his new roles. And he explains why Japan enjoys some of the world’s best conditions to nurture innovative and disruptive growth businesses.

Companies discussed include:

Weathernews – a business safeguarding ships and planes from storms and helping convenience stores anticipate which goods will experience surges in demand.