ASML Holding(US:ASML) CNBC·2025-09-12 05:11Core Insights - The European technology sector is experiencing significant developments, with notable funding rounds and IPOs indicating a potential resurgence in the region's tech capabilities [4][10]. Company Developments - ElevenLabs, an AI startup, announced a secondary share sale that doubled its valuation to $6.6 billion [1]. - ASML confirmed it is leading a €1.7 billion Series C funding round for French AI firm Mistral, which is now valued at €11.7 billion ($13.7 billion), up from €5.8 billion last year [2]. - Klarna, a Swedish fintech firm, debuted on the New York Stock Exchange with shares closing at $45.82, resulting in a market value exceeding $17 billion [3]. Industry Trends - There is a renewed optimism that Europe can develop a competitive tech industry, countering the long-held belief that Silicon Valley is the sole hub for innovation [4]. - Despite previous setbacks, including the impact of the 2022 Ukraine invasion and rising inflation, the European tech ecosystem has shown resilience and potential for growth [6][9]. - The European tech ecosystem is currently valued at $3 trillion, with projections to reach $8 trillion by 2034, highlighting a significant opportunity compared to the U.S. tech sector, which is valued over $20 trillion [12]. Investment Sentiment - Investors are increasingly viewing European tech as a safe haven amid geopolitical risks and macroeconomic uncertainty, with a growing interest in early-stage entrepreneurial ventures [13][14]. - There is a push for increased allocation from pension funds into European venture capital, as the market remains fragmented with varying regulations across countries [15]. Challenges - Systemic challenges persist in scaling European tech firms to the size of their U.S. and Asian counterparts, including the lack of a unified market and complex regulatory environments [15]. - Initiatives like "EU Inc." aim to simplify regulations across EU member states to bolster the tech sector [15].