September 9, 2025

finance  
Microsoft $19.4B Deal, Meta Spending, AMD AI Growth

European AI company Mistral AI is significantly expanding its influence with a substantial investment from Dutch chip equipment maker ASML. ASML is investing between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion across several funding rounds, making it Mistral's largest shareholder and valuing the French startup at approximately $10 billion to $11.7 billion. This partnership aims to bolster Europe's technological independence in the AI sector, reducing reliance on US and Chinese models, and could lead to Mistral's AI expertise being integrated into ASML's chipmaking tools. Meanwhile, Microsoft is bolstering its AI infrastructure with a major five-year deal worth up to $19.4 billion with Nebius Group, formerly Yandex NV. This agreement addresses Microsoft's growing need for AI capacity, partly fueled by demand from OpenAI. In the US, AppLovin's stock is experiencing a significant surge, driven by its AI-powered mobile ad-tech platform, Axon 2.0, and its inclusion in the S&P 500 index, with its stock advancing over 4,650% since January 2023. Other AI-focused companies are also seeing notable developments: Broadcom's stock has climbed 154% in the past year due to demand for its AI semiconductors, and AMD is rated a Buy with strong growth in its AI accelerator business. Cognition AI, developer of the AI coding tool Devin, has raised $400 million, reaching a $10.2 billion valuation. Eloquent AI has secured $7.4 million in seed funding for its AI solutions in financial services. On the other hand, SuperX AI Technology Limited's stock has plummeted amid allegations of 'AI washing.' Looking ahead, analysts anticipate a slowdown in the growth of cloud computing spending, which has supported AI stocks, starting in 2026, although companies like Meta Platforms may continue higher spending compared to Amazon and Google.

Key Takeaways

  • ASML is investing between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion in French AI company Mistral AI, becoming its largest shareholder and valuing the company at $10 billion to $11.7 billion.
  • This investment aims to enhance European technological independence in AI and may lead to the integration of Mistral's AI into ASML's chipmaking equipment.
  • Microsoft has signed a five-year deal worth up to $19.4 billion with Nebius Group for AI infrastructure, addressing its growing AI capacity needs, partly driven by OpenAI.
  • AppLovin's stock has surged over 4,650% since January 2023, driven by its AI ad-tech platform and inclusion in the S&P 500.
  • Broadcom's stock has increased 154% in the past year due to high demand for its AI semiconductors.
  • AMD is rated a Buy, showing strong growth in its AI accelerator business and data center solutions.
  • AI startup Cognition AI has raised $400 million, achieving a $10.2 billion valuation for its AI coding tool, Devin.
  • Eloquent AI raised $7.4 million in seed funding for its AI solutions targeting financial services.
  • SuperX AI Technology Limited's stock has dropped significantly due to 'AI washing' allegations.
  • Analysts predict a slowdown in cloud computing spending growth for AI stocks starting in 2026.

ASML invests $1.5 billion in European AI leader Mistral

ASML is investing $1.5 billion in the French AI company Mistral, becoming its largest shareholder. This move aims to strengthen Europe's technological independence and reduce reliance on AI models from the US and China. The investment values Mistral at $11.7 billion, making it Europe's most valuable AI company. ASML, a key supplier of chip machines, also plans to use Mistral's AI expertise to improve its own tools and products. This collaboration supports European technological sovereignty in the growing AI market.

ASML becomes top shareholder in Mistral AI with $1.3B investment

ASML is investing $1.3 billion in French AI company Mistral, making it a top shareholder. This investment aims to boost European tech independence and reduce reliance on US and Chinese AI models. Mistral is valued at $14 billion after this funding round. ASML expects to gain a board seat at Mistral. The partnership could also lead to improved tools and new products by combining ASML's chip machine expertise with Mistral's AI capabilities.

ASML to lead Mistral AI funding round becoming largest shareholder

ASML is set to become the largest shareholder in French AI startup Mistral AI after investing $1.5 billion in its latest funding round. This investment is part of a larger $2 billion round and values Mistral at $11.7 billion, making it Europe's most valuable AI company. ASML is expected to secure a board seat. The partnership aims to reduce Europe's dependence on US and Chinese AI models and could enhance both companies' capabilities.

ASML invests $1.3B in Mistral AI, making it Europe's top AI firm

ASML has invested $1.3 billion in Mistral AI's Series C funding round, valuing the French startup at $10 billion and making it Europe's most valuable AI company. This investment, part of a $1.7 billion raise, secures ASML a board seat. The partnership aims to increase European technological independence and potentially integrate Mistral's AI into ASML's chipmaking systems. Founded in 2023, Mistral is a rapidly growing AI player.

ASML invests $1.3B in Mistral AI, boosting European AI

ASML is becoming the main shareholder of French AI company Mistral AI with a $1.3 billion investment in a $1.7 billion financing round. This values Mistral at $10 billion, making it Europe's most valuable AI company. The investment aims to support Mistral as a European AI player against dominant US companies. ASML expects to gain a majority stake and a board seat, potentially benefiting from Mistral's data analysis capabilities.

ASML leads $1.5B investment in Mistral AI, becoming top shareholder

Dutch chipmaker ASML is reportedly becoming the primary shareholder of French AI startup Mistral AI through a $1.5 billion investment. This investment is part of Mistral's $2 billion funding round, valuing the company at $11.7 billion. The deal aims to strengthen European AI capabilities and reduce reliance on US and Chinese models. ASML, known for its chip-making equipment, may integrate Mistral's AI expertise to enhance its own products.

AppLovin stock surges on S&P 500 inclusion and strong AI performance

AppLovin's stock surged 6.5% after its inclusion in the S&P 500 index, with shares rallying over 51% year-to-date. Investors are optimistic about its AI-powered mobile ad-tech platform, particularly its Axon 2.0 ad engine. Analysts maintain a Strong Buy rating, expecting continued upside. AppLovin's strong second-quarter results and potential benefits from Apple's App Store policy changes also boost confidence.

AppLovin stock doubles Palantir's return, joins S&P 500

AppLovin stock has advanced 4,650% since January 2023, doubling Palantir's return, and will join the S&P 500 on September 22. The company's AI engine, Axon, drives its advertising business, which is expanding into e-commerce. Analysts expect continued upside, with an average price target of $514. Historically, stocks added to the S&P 500 tend to increase in value.

Nebius stock jumps 60% on $19.4 billion AI infrastructure deal with Microsoft

Nebius' stock soared over 60% after announcing a five-year deal with Microsoft worth up to $19.4 billion for AI infrastructure. The Amsterdam-based company will provide computing resources from its New Jersey data center. This deal addresses Microsoft's need for AI capacity, driven partly by demand from OpenAI. Nebius, formerly Yandex NV, has seen its stock more than double this year.

Microsoft signs $19.4B AI cloud deal with Nebius Group

Microsoft has signed a multiyear deal with Nebius Group NV, a company spun out from Yandex, for AI cloud computing power valued between $17.4 billion and $19.4 billion through 2031. This agreement helps address Microsoft's shortage in AI cloud capacity, which is driven by high demand for AI services and customers like OpenAI. Nebius will provide dedicated capacity from its new data center in New Jersey, boosting its AI cloud business significantly.

Alibaba stock is top choice for Chinese traders investing $1.7 billion

Chinese investors bought $1.7 billion worth of Alibaba shares last week, making it their top investment via Hong Kong trading links. This surge in buying is driven by renewed optimism about Alibaba's potential in artificial intelligence, especially after reporting AI-related revenue. The stock has performed well, with analysts upgrading price targets, anticipating further growth.

AI stock growth to slow in 2026 as cloud spending cools

Analysts predict that the rapid growth in cloud computing spending, which has fueled AI stocks, will slow down in 2026. While spending is expected to reach $400 billion in 2025, some cloud providers like Meta Platforms may maintain higher spending compared to Amazon and Google. This slowdown is partly due to companies focusing on investment returns and rising depreciation expenses for AI infrastructure.

SuperX AI stock plummets amid 'AI washing' allegations

SuperX AI Technology Limited's stock dropped over 24% following a report alleging the company is falsely claiming to be in AI. Short-seller J Capital Research claims the company, originally an interior design firm, rebranded to an AI firm with fabricated product images and copied specifications. Hagens Berman is investigating potential securities law violations, urging investors with losses to contact them.

Broadcom secures new AI customer, stock shows strong growth

Broadcom's stock has surged 154% in the past year, driven by high demand for its AI semiconductors. The company recently announced a new AI customer, expected to boost revenue. Analysts remain bullish on Broadcom (AVGO), citing its strong performance, diversified business, and innovative products. Despite industry competition, Broadcom is well-positioned in the growing AI market.

AMD stock is a buy with strong AI and CPU growth

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) stock is rated a Buy after a recent correction, supported by strong growth in its CPU and AI accelerator businesses. Despite competition, AMD's Q2 results showed record CPU share gains. Investments in its MI350 series, ZT Systems acquisition, and ROCm software position AMD for future market share gains in data centers and AI. Analysts see significant upside potential.

Cognition AI reaches $10.2B valuation with new funding

Artificial intelligence startup Cognition AI has secured $400 million in funding, reaching a valuation of $10.2 billion. This significant increase from its previous $1 billion valuation highlights strong investor interest in AI software development. The company's AI coding tool, Devin, has seen rapid revenue growth. Cognition plans to use the funds to expand its engineering team and accelerate product development.

Eloquent AI raises $7.4M seed funding for financial services AI

Eloquent AI, a startup focused on automating complex customer service in financial services, has raised $7.4 million in seed funding. The company, co-founded by a second-time founder, uses a proprietary AI model called Oratio trained for financial compliance. Eloquent AI has achieved $500,000 in annual recurring revenue in just four weeks and serves clients like Cleo and OakNorth Bank.

Sources

AI Investment European AI Technological Independence ASML Mistral AI Chip Machines AI Expertise AI Market AI Infrastructure Microsoft Nebius Group Cloud Computing OpenAI Data Centers Alibaba Chinese Investors AI Revenue Cloud Spending AI Stocks Meta Platforms Amazon Google AI Washing SuperX AI Short-seller Securities Law AI Semiconductors Broadcom AI Customer AMD CPU Growth AI Accelerators Cognition AI AI Software Development AI Coding Tool Devin Eloquent AI Seed Funding Financial Services AI Customer Service Automation AI Model Financial Compliance AppLovin S&P 500 AI Performance Mobile Ad-tech Axon 2.0 E-commerce Palantir