ASML Leads €1.7 Billion Series C Funding of Mistral AI
ASML, the world-leading Dutch semiconductor equipment maker, has become the largest shareholder in
Mistral AI after spearheading a massive €1.7 billion Series C funding round in September 2025. ASML’s commitment of €1.3 billion—representing the lion’s share of the round—cements its growing influence in the rapidly expanding European artificial intelligence sector[4].
Mistral AI’s Meteoric Rise and Strategic Partnerships
Founded in Paris just two years ago by former DeepMind and Meta researchers,
Mistral AI is now valued at approximately $14 billion. The company is recognized for its open source generative AI models and the popular European chatbot, Le Chat, providing a homegrown alternative to Silicon Valley products such as
ChatGPT[1][3].
Key highlights:
- Mistral AI’s valuation has soared following this round, positioning it among Europe’s most valuable startups.
- Mistral’s revenue is projected to quintuple, from €10 million in 2023 to about €60 million in 2025[5].
- The company continues to focus on open-source AI development, directly challenging the closed models championed by US tech giants[3].
- Mistral has secured investments from numerous prominent backers, but the ASML partnership dramatically enhances its credibility and reach within the European innovation ecosystem[4].
Implications for European AI and ASML’s Strategic Vision
ASML’s unprecedented commitment is viewed as a strategic move to cement Europe’s technological sovereignty in artificial intelligence, an area traditionally dominated by American and Chinese players. The deal also grants ASML a board seat at Mistral AI, further deepening their collaboration[4].
As European AI companies saw a 55% increase in year-on-year investment in Q1 2025, Mistral’s swift ascent highlights a broader momentum fueling the continent’s digital ambitions[1][3]. The partnership between ASML and Mistral AI is poised to accelerate innovation across both the AI and semiconductor industries in Europe, setting the stage for intensified competition with established US technology leaders.
