ASML invests heavily in Mistral AI to boost European tech power

On a Tuesday in early September 2025, ASML, a prominent Dutch manufacturer of chipmaking equipment, announced a significant investment in British artificial intelligence company Mistral AI. The investment totals 1.3 billion euros, equivalent to about 1.5 billion dollars, and gives ASML an 11% stake in the startup. Established two years ago in Paris by former workers from Google DeepMind and Meta Platforms, Mistral AI has swiftly garnered a reputation as a rising star in the European tech landscape. This partnership reflects Europe's strategic efforts to lessen its reliance on American technology, amid ongoing discussions surrounding technological dependence and diversity within the industry. The announcement also comes at a time when the U.S. government's restrictions on the sale of advanced technological equipment, particularly to China, have raised concerns among European countries regarding their own technological sovereignty. These limitations are particularly significant for ASML, whose high-end chipmaking machinery can reach prices in the hundreds of millions, and reveal the complexities of international trade affecting the tech sector. Mistral AI has developed the Le Chat chatbot, yet it finds itself in stiff competition with major American AI developers like OpenAI and Chinese rivals such as DeepSeek. Despite these challenges, the 1.3 billion euro backing forms part of a broader funding initiative worth 1.7 billion euros, which also engages notable partners including venture capital firms and chipmaker Nvidia. Arthur Mensch, the CEO of Mistral, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting how the fusion of Mistral's cutting-edge AI capabilities and ASML's advanced manufacturing prowess could drive technological breakthroughs within the global semiconductor and AI value chain. The partnership is noteworthy not only for the financial implications but also for the broader narrative it contributes to about European ambitions in the tech sector. Many analysts view this move as a crucial step in realizing a more autonomous European tech ecosystem, positioning itself as a formidable player in the global market, while simultaneously countering the influence of American technology giants over the continent. Looking ahead, this collaboration might pivot Mistral AI towards a stronger competitive stance in the fast-evolving tech arena, especially if it manages to leverage ASML's industrial capabilities to enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach.