Venture capital deal activity in key markets picked up in the fourth quarter of 2013, soared in 2014, and is projected to stay strong this year, according to EY trend reports.

Last year, venture capitalists invested a total of $86.7 billion in the US, Canada, Europe, China, Israel, and India – more than in any year since the height of the dot-com bubble in 2000. EY also reported a rise in initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions – two traditional exits that allow venture capital investors to reap the rewards from previous deals.