The French company Mistral AI finally announced this morning a fundraising of 1.7 billion euros, promoting the company to 11.7 billion euros. This series C is led by the Dutch group ASML, manufacturer of equipment for the production of semiconductors, which takes a participation of 11 % by investing 1.3 billion euros.
Beyond the financial operation, the two companies formalize a strategic partnership aimed at integrating artificial intelligence models in Mistral throughout the ASML portfolio, from research and development to industrial operations. Christophe Fouquet, Managing Director of ASML, said in a press release: “The partnership between Mistral AI and ASML aims to generate clear profits for ASML customers thanks to innovative products and solutions made possible by AI, and will offer joint research potential to meet future opportunities. »»
Arthur Mensch, co -founder and managing director of Mistral AI, gives some details: “This investment brings together two technological leaders operating in the same value chain. We have the ambition to help ASML and its many partners to resolve the current and future engineering challenges thanks to AI and, in the end, to advance the entire value chain of semiconductors and AI. »»
Mistral now employs more than 350 people and claims to have signed contracts of an annual value of more than 300 million euros, for a cumulative amount of 1.4 billion since its launch in 2023. Its customers include Stellantis, Belfius, BNP Paribas, CMA CGM as well as several French administrations including the Ministry of Defense.
Founded in 2023 in Paris by Arthur Mensch, Timothée Lacroix and Guillaume Lample, Mistral AI develops models of generative artificial intelligence in open source for businesses. This series C of 1.7 billion euros, led by ASML, also brought together DST Global, Andreessen Horowitz, Bpifrance, General Catalyst, Index Ventures, Lightspeed and Nvidia.
