Samsung is in talks to invest around €1 billion in French AI start-up Mistral, part of a fundraising round valuing the company at roughly €20 billion, the Financial Times reported on July 22, 2026 [1, 2]. The deal may also include Sweden’s EQT Scaleup Europe Fund as another potential investor [1, 2].
Mistral is known for supplying AI technology to the French military and aims to serve as a European alternative to dominant US tech firms [1, 2]. Despite its sizable valuation, Mistral remains smaller than major US peers such as Anthropic [1, 2].
In July, Microsoft agreed to invest billions to boost Mistral’s computing infrastructure in Europe and expand distribution of its AI technology via Microsoft’s platforms [1, 2]. This followed a US government decision in June 2026 that restricted foreign access to two of Anthropic’s advanced AI models. That move increased urgency for European players like Mistral to strengthen technological independence [1, 2].
Samsung expressed in April this year that it was open to making investments and acquisitions to accelerate its robotics development and commercialization efforts, particularly by partnering with local firms [1, 2]. The talks with Mistral align with the South Korean tech giant’s strategy to expand in AI and robotics.
Requests for comment sent to Samsung and Mistral in late July 2026 went unanswered, while Mistral declined to comment on the investment discussions [1, 2].
The latest event in this funding round is Samsung’s potential €1 billion investment, which would strengthen Mistral’s financial position as it advances in AI amid intensifying global competition. Other investors involved and the final terms have yet to be disclosed.
