Investments by private equity and venture capital funds surged 60 percent to a record high of USD 26 billion in 2017, while the bull markets helped register highest ever exits in a year, a report said today on Thursday. The exits grew 60 percent to USD 15.7 billion with the public market being the preferred mode, according to Bain & Company.

Terming the year as a "strong year" for the private equity market, Bain partner Arpan Sheth attributed the rise to improving economic indicators, formalisation of the economy, and steps like passage of the bankruptcy law to address the non-performing assets issue.