Mistral AI gets 1.7 billion euros with ASML as biggest investor

Sweden has introduced the world's first AI music licence through STIM, allowing AI companies to legally train models on copyrighted music while ensuring royalties for creators. The initiative addresses concerns that generative AI could reduce music creators' income by 24% by 2028, while the AI music market approaches $17 billion. The license requires traceable technology through the Sureel attribution tool to track music origins and ensure proper compensation. Stockholm-based Songfox is the first company operating under this framework, which is viewed as a blueprint for balancing human creativity and AI advancement amid ongoing EU regulatory debates about creator protections.

Nebius, an Amsterdam-based company formerly part of Yandex, has secured a $17.4 billion deal with Microsoft to provide cloud AI infrastructure through 2031. This agreement comes as Microsoft faces increasing demand for AI computing resources. Nebius emerged as a standalone European entity after separating from its Russian origins amid sanctions following the Ukraine invasion. The deal represents Microsoft's strategy to diversify its AI infrastructure suppliers beyond traditional providers, addressing capacity shortages as AI adoption accelerates. Following the announcement, Nebius's market value jumped 50%, solidifying its position as a leading European AI infrastructure provider.

Volkswagen plans to invest €1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030 as part of its digital transformation strategy. The investment will enhance vehicle development, industrial applications, and IT infrastructure. Key focus areas include optimizing design and production, improving efficiency across the value chain, and leveraging AI for better decision-making. The company expects operational savings of up to €4 billion over the next decade. Volkswagen already uses AI in various operations and will consider partnerships with advanced platforms like ChatGPT. This investment positions Volkswagen as a leading automotive innovator amid increasing digital competition in the sector.

ASML has invested €1.3 billion in French AI company Mistral AI, becoming its largest shareholder with an 11% stake and a board seat. This investment is part of a €1.7 billion funding round that values Mistral at €11.7 billion. The strategic partnership aims to integrate Mistral's AI models into ASML's production lines, with potential applications in optical character recognition and other manufacturing processes. Founded in 2023, Mistral AI has quickly emerged as Europe's leading AI competitor to American companies like OpenAI and Google. Other investors include Nvidia, Bpifrance, and Andreessen Horowitz. This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening Europe's position in the global AI landscape, though Mistral's valuation remains well below OpenAI's estimated $500 billion.