A leading European AI startup says its edge over Silicon Valley isn't better tech — it's not being American (www.businessinsider.com)

Arthur Mensch, CEO of European AI startup Mistral, claims that the company's competitive edge lies in being non-American rather than just having superior technology. As European governments and regulated firms increasingly seek AI systems they can control, Mistral is positioning itself as a preferred partner over Silicon Valley giants like OpenAI and Google. With a valuation of approximately $14 billion, Mistral focuses on large language models and has already secured contracts with entities like France's military, which values AI that operates independently on local infrastructure. Mensch highlights a shift in the AI landscape where the true advantage is not just technical prowess but the ability to customize and deploy AI systems that align with regional needs and regulations. This is particularly significant in a multipolar world, as Mistral's open-source approach allows clients to run AI on their own infrastructure, minimizing reliance on external vendors. The company is also expanding its reach beyond Europe, fostering partnerships in regions like North Africa to empower local AI development. Ultimately, Mensch anticipates a future where multiple regional AI centers thrive, challenging the notion of dominance by a single player or nation.