Three European Startups Prepare for Major Fundraising Rounds

Key Takeaways

1Mistral could raise 3 billion euros at a valuation of 20 billion, with Samsung expected to be a major investor

2Wandercraft is discussing a raise of around 100 million euros, backed by Goldman Sachs, and aims for industrial deployment with Renault

3The Exploration Company is negotiating a round of 300 million dollars, with a backlog of 800 million and a demonstration planned for 2028

Why it matters : These announced or discussed fundraising efforts reflect the vitality of French Tech and the industrial ambition of its players in AI, robotics, and space.

Three European startups are set to announce significant fundraising rounds. Mistral is at the center of rumors regarding a new mega-round, Wandercraft is discussing a nine-figure raise, and The Exploration Company is negotiating a round led by international funds. Orders, deployments, and timeline milestones illustrate the industrial scale of these projects.

Orders and Deployments Already Announced by Two Industrial Players

Renault intends to install 350 humanoid robots designed by Wandercraft in its production sites in France and Spain by the end of 2027, after taking a stake in the company in 2025 during a $75 million Series D funding round. In the space sector, The Exploration Company announces it has a portfolio of orders worth approximately $800 million, including the European Space Agency, Axiom Space, Vast, and Starlab among its clients. The flight schedule remains uncertain, with an initial demonstration mentioned for 2028.

Target Amounts and Expected Leaders for Upcoming Rounds

Mistral is rumored, since June, to be preparing for a funding round of €3 billion with a projected valuation of €20 billion, with Samsung reportedly ready to invest €1 billion. Wandercraft is said to have started discussions, with the support of Goldman Sachs, to raise around €100 million at a pre-money valuation of €750 million. The Exploration Company is in talks for a $300 million raise, led by Bessemer Venture Partners and Atomico, which would bring its valuation to over $2 billion.

Le brief IA que lisent les pros

Le brief IA que les pros lisent chaque soir

Les 7 actus IA du jour, décryptées en 5 min. Gratuit.

Inclus dès l'inscription : notre sélection des meilleurs guides & comparatifs IA.

Choisissez votre rythme

Gratuit · Pas de spam · Désabonnement en 1 clic

Technological Positioning and Existing Partnerships

Mistral offers open, adaptable models that can be installed directly at its clients' sites, already counting ASML, Nvidia, Microsoft, Airbus, BMW, CMA CGM, and TotalEnergies among its partners. Wandercraft designs a rehabilitation exoskeleton used in hospitals to help patients regain mobility after a stroke or spinal cord injury, and is committed to industrial robotics to develop humanoid robots for production sites. The Exploration Company is working on Nyx, a reusable spacecraft designed to transport cargo to low Earth orbit, initially targeting the International Space Station and then to commercial stations Axiom Space, Vast, and Starlab after the ISS's closure.

Recent Milestones and Back-to-School Dynamics

The back-to-school season is traditionally marked by numerous announcements, with many funding rounds concluded in June or July and revealed in September, fueled by leaks that capture attention. Last year, Mistral raised €1.7 billion for a valuation of €11.7 billion, a record for French Tech. A new operation is rumored for Mistral, while two other startups are preparing to announce their upcoming major fundraising rounds.