French AI Startup Mistral says to Build First Data Center

French Artificial Intelligence (AI) Startup Mistral has announced plans to invest “several billion euros” in establishing its first data center in France. The move, aimed at securing greater control over storage and processing power, positions Mistral as a significant player in the ongoing AI infrastructure race.

Speaking in an interview with Broadcaster TF1, Arthur Mensch, co-founder of Mistral, emphasized the company’s goal of managing the entire AI Value Chain, from hardware to software. This strategic investment aligns with France’s broader ambitions to establish itself as a prime location for AI infrastructure development.

The announcement comes just before the Global AI Summit in Paris, where government officials and tech leaders will discuss the future of AI. France has been actively promoting itself as an ideal destination for data centers, leveraging its low-carbon nuclear energy and pre-approved development sites to attract investors.

Recently, the United Arab Emirates committed to building a €50 Billion AI campus, while Canadian investment firm Brookfield pledged €20 Billion for multiple data centers. Mistral’s investment further cements France’s growing reputation as a key player in the AI and data infrastructure space.

With AI development becoming increasingly competitive, Mistral’s decision to build and control its own data center marks a pivotal step toward securing technological independence and innovation.