French AI tech startup Mistral AI seeking new funding at $5 billion valuation

French AI tech startup Mistral AI is in advanced discussions with potential investors to raise several hundred million dollars at a valuation of $5 billion, according to a report from The Information. The news comes hot on the heels of its $415 million funding just four months ago, pushing its valuation to 2 billion euros.

While the specifics of this prospective funding round remain shrouded in secrecy, industry heavyweights like Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Microsoft Corp have already placed their bets on Mistral. Microsoft, a key player in the AI arena, recently deepened its ties with Mistral through a $16 million investment, signaling a strategic partnership to leverage Mistral’s AI models on its Azure cloud platform.

“Mistral, a Paris-based startup developing artificial intelligence that is open source, has been speaking to investors about raising several hundred million dollars at a valuation of $5 billion, according to a person with direct knowledge,” The Information reported.

The timing couldn’t be more intriguing, considering Mistral’s recent collaboration with Microsoft, which saw a $16 million investment and a strategic partnership to integrate its AI models into Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. However, this partnership hasn’t been without controversy, as EU regulators have raised concerns about potential monopolistic tendencies, sparking calls for scrutiny into the tech giant’s influence.

Mistral’s trajectory is emblematic of the broader trend reshaping the AI landscape. As competition intensifies against juggernauts like Google and OpenAI, securing significant funding becomes paramount for emerging players striving to carve out their niche. Mistral, with its ambitious Mixtral 8x7B model positioning itself as Europe’s answer to industry heavyweights, is emblematic of this drive for innovation.

Against the backdrop of evolving regulatory frameworks, Mistral is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in shaping the future of AI governance. Advocating for amendments to the EU AI Act and garnering support from the French government, Mistral is positioning itself as a responsible steward of AI technology.

Founded in 2023 by Arthur Mensch, Guillaume Lample, and Timothee Lacroix, Mistral’s meteoric rise reflects its steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. As the company steers toward fully operational status in early 2024, the winds of change continue to propel Mistral toward its lofty aspirations in the AI domain.