Calender 2018 is turning out to be the biggest year for private equity/venture capital (PE/VC) exits. Driven by the Walmart-Flipkart deal, the year has so far seen nearly $22 billion worth of exits till date through more than 160 deals. While 2017 saw $14.5 billion for the whole year, previous years saw less than $10 billion. Analysts point out that while the Flipkart deal contributed to a chunk of the deal size in terms of value, the mood among investors also favours exits. “IPOs, M&A exits and acqui-hires have contributed to the 165 deals so far. Additionally, investors from China and Japan entering the scene have increased the scope for early stage investors to see greater returns. And it is not just secondary and strategic investors that give profitable exits. Mature startups that acquire stakes for inorganic growth also have a role to play.

(Economic Times)