By Tredu.com • 9/9/2025
Tredu
Dutch chipmaking powerhouse ASML takes an 11 % stake in Mistral AI, investing €1.3 billion as part of the French AI startup’s €1.7 billion Series C funding round. The deal positions Mistral AI valuation at approximately €11.7 billion (about $14 billion), establishing it as Europe’s most valuable AI entity.
Founded in 2023 by former researchers from DeepMind and Meta, Mistral AI has quickly emerged as Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. Now, backed by key players, including Nvidia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bpifrance, its collaboration with ASML fortifies European tech sovereignty efforts.
Beyond capital, ASML gains a board seat and plans to integrate Mistral’s AI capabilities into its product R&D and toolchain. This strategy could enhance performance of extreme ultraviolet lithography tools, key to next-gen chip manufacturing.
ASML’s move also reflects a wider strategic intent: reducing dependence on U.S. and Chinese AI ecosystems. French President Macron frames Mistral’s ascent as a symbol of Europe’s fight for tech autonomy; ASML emphasizes that collaboration is rooted in shared technological progress, not geopolitics.
The €14 billion post-money valuation more than doubles Mistral’s worth since mid-2024. Though still far behind U.S. behemoths like Anthropic ($183B) and OpenAI (in the hundreds of billions), this milestone signals a rising European contender.
Mistral now partners with major clients such as Stellantis and CMA CGM and employs solution architects for bespoke AI integration. ASML’s involvement delivers validation and momentum, potentially accelerating growth and future funding rounds.
ASML’s ambitious €1.3 billion investment and 11 % stake in French AI powerhouse Mistral AI vaults the startup to a €11.7 billion valuation, marking a pivotal moment for both companies and European technology. This deal merges AI innovation with semiconductor prowess, grounding the region’s quest for independence in critical tech domains.
Core theme: Fusion of AI leadership and chipmaking expertise, forging a new frontier for Europe’s tech future.
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