Dutch semiconductor giant ASML (XAMS-ASML) has announced a €1.3 billion investment in French AI startup Mistral, acquiring an 11% stake and becoming its largest shareholder. The move positions ASML to influence Mistral’s strategic direction while deepening its own capabilities in artificial intelligence.
The partnership goes beyond financial backing. ASML and Mistral will collaborate to explore how AI can enhance ASML’s chipmaking technologies, from product development to operational efficiency. This strategic alliance marks a significant step in integrating frontier AI into Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Founded in 2023, Mistral has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising AI firms. Its open-source models and multilingual capabilities have drawn attention from global players, with rumors circulating in August that Apple was considering a potential acquisition.
ASML’s investment is widely seen as a vote of confidence in Europe’s ability to compete in the global AI race. The deal comes amid growing concern that the continent is falling behind in tech innovation. Earlier today, Philips CEO Roy Jakobs warned that Europe risks a permanent technological disadvantage, as its most valuable startups continue to migrate abroad and no major tech giants have emerged from the region.