OSAKA -- Japanese sporting goods maker Asics is setting up a 3 billion yen ($27.6 million) fund to invest in sports-related startups at home and abroad in hopes of jointly developing globally competitive products ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Startups will also have access to such nonfinancial resources as Asics research facilities in Kobe, where the company is headquartered, and its ties to various athletes.
