Mistral and Accenture strike deal to help businesses deploy AI

French AI startup Mistral has struck a multi-year deal with consulting giant Accenture to help companies deploy AI technology and customise their AI offering. The deal comes as AI companies like Mistral, Europe’s most prominent AI model firm, look to boost revenues by attracting businesses to move from experimenting with AI to long-term deployment.

Mistral’s bet is that AI’s future rests in offering businesses flexibility to customise and tailor AI systems to their needs. The deal will see Mistral, valued at around €11.7bn, make its AI models, known for their open-source approach, available to Accenture.

The two companies will also co-develop AI products and help clients deploy AI in line with regional requirements. They will also launch certification and training programmes for clients while Accenture employees will have access to Mistral’s AI Studio, which allows users to quickly develop AI agents and applications.

Mistral, mainly known for developing AI models, is looking to position itself with a full-stack infrastructure offering. Its other clients include SAP, Cisco and ASML Holdings.

Mauro Macchi, CEO for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Accenture, said: “Our clients are looking for AI solutions that combine world-class performance with the complete ownership that Mistral AI’s technology offers enterprises. By partnering with Mistral AI, a leading global innovator, we bring together sovereign models and the capability to scale technology across industries, geographies and business functions. Our go-to-market collaboration will enable enterprises in Europe and around the world to accelerate reinvention with AI, securely and deeply connected to strategic priorities.”

Arthur Mensch, CEO, co-founder, Mistral, added: “We are proud to partner with Accenture, whose international reach and industry depth make them an ideal partner to continue driving AI transformations for enterprises at scale. Together, we will help organisations deploy AI that meets their needs for performance, control, and customisation. This collaboration marks an important milestone for industries around the world to realise the ROI of AI.”