Almost any way you look at it, 2018 was a record year for life science and healthcare companies. We saw new levels of venture fundraising, total investment values, acquisitions and initial public offerings.

Highlights in 2018 include:

• US healthcare venture fundraising reaches $9.6 billion —a record.
• US and EU VC investment in life science and healthcare companies surges 50 percent, with biopharma dominating.
• Biopharma total exit deal value hits $49 billion, including 18 deals valued at more than $1 billion.
• Device M&A activity increases and IPOs double.
• Diagnostics/Tools rebound with 10 acquisitions and two high-profile IPOs.