October 6, 2025
ASML, the world leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, has made a significant move in the European artificial intelligence landscape by investing €1.3 billion in French startup Mistral AI. This investment, part of a €1.7 billion funding round, gives ASML an 11% stake in Mistral AI, now valued at €11.7 billion—the highest valuation in Europe for an AI company.
Although operating in seemingly distinct sectors, ASML and Mistral AI share the goal of pushing technological innovation forward. ASML, with its expertise in advanced EUV lithography equipment, and Mistral AI, with its focus on large language models and AI solutions, are joining forces to tackle the technological challenges of the future.
Christophe Fouquet, ASML CEO, stated: “We want to flood the entire ASML organization with artificial intelligence,” emphasizing the company’s intent to integrate AI into production processes to optimize operations and improve efficiency.
Founded in Paris in 2023 by former researchers from DeepMind and Meta, Mistral AI has quickly gained recognition in the AI landscape. With a valuation of €11.7 billion, the startup positions itself as a key player in Europe’s technology ecosystem, developing innovative AI solutions across multiple sectors.
This investment represents an important step toward technological self-sufficiency in Europe, reducing dependence on major American tech companies and fostering homegrown innovation. The collaboration between ASML and Mistral AI could act as a catalyst for further developments in AI and semiconductors, strengthening Europe’s position in the global technology arena.
