Private equity and venture capital funds' investments declined by 40% to $8.8 billion in the September quarter, according to a report by IVCA and EY.The number of deals increased by 26% to 283 transactions during the same period.Geopolitical tensions and cautious investor sentiment were cited as reasons for the decline in investments.Large deals over $100 million decreased by more than half, while pure-play PE/VC deals were 30% lower at $6.5 billion.