Europe’s Most Valuable AI Startup Now, Thanks to €1.3 Billion Investment

ASML committed €1.3 billion to the Series C funding for Mistral AI, tipping the French startup’s valuation to €10 billion, the highest for any AI company in Europe. Bank of America advised on the deal.

The move aims to advance European technological independence and may enable ASML to incorporate Mistral’s AI into its build-to-order chipmaking systems, which is a step in line with Europe’s broader sovereign AI ambitions.

How the deal came together

ASML, the Dutch provider of advanced lithography machines, led Mistral AI’s latest investment round by putting in €1.3 billion of a €1.7 billion raise, making it the startup’s top shareholder and securing a board seat, sources told Reuters. That valued Mistral at a pre-money €10 billion, or about US $11.7 billion, making it Europe’s most valuable AI firm to date.

ASML and Mistral declined to comment to Reuters.

The investment underscores a concerted effort to decrease reliance on US and Chinese AI models. Aligning ASML’s chipmaking strength with Mistral’s AI could yield strategic gains in performance, efficiency, and proprietary software innovation.

Amplifying Mistral’s rise and ASML’s gains

Founded in 2023 by former DeepMind and Meta researchers, Mistral has quickly climbed the European AI ladder. Its Series B round had already lifted its valuation past US $6 billion, putting it among the continent’s frontrunners.

Now, with ASML as its top shareholder, the partnership offers potential synergies: ASML is the sole provider of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment, and integrating Mistral’s AI could refine machine efficiency and open new pathways for product development.

Outlook for the tech landscape

Europe faces an urgent need for homegrown AI capabilities. The ASML–Mistral partnership underscores how Europe is seeking not just startup growth but also long-term sovereignty in both chips and AI models, aligning industrial strength with strategic independence.

Analysts will watch how this alliance plays into broader EU ambitions for AI sovereignty and industrial resilience, which is a trend mirrored in the Asia-Pacific region, where governments are also working to develop sovereign AI foundation models.

Keep your entertainment at your fingertips with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K! Enjoy streaming in 4K Ultra HD with access to top services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. With an easy-to-use interface and voice remote, it’s the ultimate streaming device, now at only $21.99 — that’s 56% off!

With a 4.7/5-star rating from 43,582 reviews and 10K+ bought in the past month, it’s a top choice for home entertainment! Buy Now for $21.99 on Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!