Meanwhile, SoftBank is reportedly looking to invest in more AI deals, despite not participating in Mistral's funding round. The firm has recently led a $1 billion funding round for Wayve and is considering buying UK-based AI chip designer Graphcore. Graphcore, which has been struggling in a market dominated by Nvidia, is speculated to sell for between $500 million and $600 million, significantly less than its last fundraise at a $2.8 billion valuation.
Key takeaways:
- Mistral AI, a Paris-based startup working on open source Large Language Models, is raising money at a $6 billion valuation, three times its valuation in December, to compete against OpenAI and Anthropic.
- DST, General Catalyst, and Lightspeed Venture Partners are all looking to be a part of this funding round, which is set to be around, but less than, $600 million.
- Despite reports, SoftBank is not currently involved in the deal with Mistral AI, but is keen on getting into more AI deals, as evidenced by its recent activities.
- SoftBank is reportedly considering buying the troubled UK AI chip designer, Graphcore, which is facing financial difficulties despite having raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors in the past.