Dutch semiconductor powerhouse ASML has announced a €1.3 billion investment in France’s Mistral AI, becoming the largest shareholder with an 11% stake in a €1.7 billion funding round.

The deal values Mistral, a rising European competitor to OpenAI, at €11.7 billion—more than doubling its €5.8 billion valuation from last year—and establishing it as one of Europe’s most valuable private companies.

The strategic partnership aims to integrate Mistral’s advanced artificial intelligence technology into ASML’s cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing processes. ASML, a global leader in chip-making equipment, rarely invests in startups and has never before backed an AI company, making this collaboration a significant milestone. The joint initiative is expected to accelerate AI-driven innovations and research, benefiting ASML’s global customers.

“This partnership combines Mistral AI’s frontier AI expertise with ASML’s unmatched industrial leadership and engineering capabilities,” said Arthur Mensch, Mistral AI’s co-founder and CEO. “It will strengthen our position and value in the AI market.”

The funding round also attracted contributions from Mistral’s existing investors, including Nvidia, Bpifrance, Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, and DST Global. As part of the agreement, ASML’s Chief Financial Officer, Roger Dassen, will join Mistral’s board, further cementing the collaboration.

Industry analysts say the deal marks a boost for Europe’s technology ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains amid growing geopolitical tensions. ASML produces critical equipment for semiconductor chips that power AI models, and its partnership with Mistral positions Europe to compete more effectively with U.S. AI giants like OpenAI, currently valued at around €425 billion ($500 billion).

“We are excited to collaborate with Mistral AI to drive innovation and create value for our customers,” said ASML President and CEO Christophe Fouquet. The partnership underscores Europe’s ambition to localize key technologies and strengthen its presence on the global AI stage. (ILKHA)