Pete Witte, EY Global Private Equity Lead Analyst, explores the key themes and market dynamics from 2Q 2021 that are top of mind for PE investors. The PE Pulse is a quarterly report and corresponding podcast miniseries that provides analysis and insights on private equity market activity and trends. Visit https://www.ey.com/pepulse to view the summary and infographic.   5 takeaways from 2Q 2021: Exit activity via M&A and IPO are seeing record levels of activity, which is impacting the entire PE life cycle, including fundraising. Fundraising is picking up as demand from investors strengthens and funds start to close in earnest once again. Deal activity and deal volume are on track to comprise the most active half-year on record. Deal sizes are increasing due to increasing post-pandemic certainty and the accumulation of dry powder. Club deals are increasing in prevalence for large-scale deals.