- ASML invests 1.3 billion euros in Mistral AI of French startup, guaranteeing a participation of 11%
- The partnership will apply AI to ASML research and lithography development operations
- Mistral AI gains funding and a European partner as evaluation increases to 11.7 billion euros
ASML Holding NV has signed a strategic partnership with the French startup Mistral IA, seeking to combine its expertise in the creation of fleas with artificial intelligence models of Mistral.
This decision is one of the largest collaborations between the semiconductor sector and an AI European company.
ASML, based in Veldhoven in the Netherlands, is the only world supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, essential to produce the most advanced fleas. Its equipment is used by directing semiconductor companies to make processors for smartphones, data centers and AI accelerators.
1.3 billion euros in funding
Although ASML occurs occasionally in suppliers, it rarely takes direct issues in startups.
Mistral IA, founded in 2023 and whose headquarters are in Paris, develops LLM and Open Source tools. It is considered the European alternative to American punishments such as Openai and Anthropic, and Microsoft has among its existing investors.
As part of the agreement, ASML will invest 1.3 billion euros ($ 1.5 billion) in the financing tour of the Mistral series C, leading to the increase and guaranteeing 11% participation on a fully diluted basis.
The Tour will bring the Mistral assessment to 11.7 billion euros ($ 12.6 billion).
The partnership aims to apply AI models in ASML’s research, development and operations.
Collaboration could improve the performance of ASML lithography systems and help flea manufacturers to market products faster.
“The collaboration between Mistral AI and ASML aims to generate clear advantages for ASML customers thanks to innovative products and solutions activated by AI, and will offer a potential for joint research to deal with future opportunities,” said the president and chief executive officer of ASML, Christophe Fouquet.
“We believe that this strategic partnership with Mistral IA, which goes beyond a traditional seller-client relationship, is the best way to seize this important opportunity. We also believe that this collaboration improves the value to Mistral IA. ”
Arthur Mensch, co-founder and chief executive officer of Mistral AI, agreed, saying: “We are proud to admit ourselves to this long-term partnership with ASML, combining our expertise in border AI. We believe that this partnership will not strengthen Mistral’s proposal, the AI proposal and the AI value in the AI market. Semiconductor and IA value chain. »»
