CEOs of AI startups backed by Microsoft and Amazon are the new stars of tech

PARIS – It’s not unusual for well-known tech CEOs to be mobbed by fans or start-up founders looking to make connections at industry conferences around the world.

But no high-profile names were collected. Instead, it was the founders of some of the world’s hottest and newest AI startups who got all the attention — and tried to shake it off.

VivaTech, one of the biggest technology shows in Europe, enjoyed the participation of Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI and CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei.

Just over a year old, Mistral AI is a French startup that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars and the backing of Microsoft. The company is valued at $2 billion, but some recent reports suggest that it is seeking more funding at a valuation of $6 billion. The astronomical growth of Mistral AI, which develops AI models much like OpenAI, has put CEO Mensch in the spotlight.

After finishing his panel on the official VivaTech stage in front of an audience on Wednesday, he hurried out of the speaker lounge and into a meeting room next door. The speaker room is in an exclusive and limited access part of the VivaTech event called the Viva Lounge.

After his meeting was over, Mensch was quickly whisked away from the meeting place by his two accomplices, who ran out the back exit. It seemed Mensch’s colleagues didn’t want him mobbed by the press or other startup representatives. One person very briefly managed to engage the Mensch with a handshake.

Anthropic’s Amodei also attracted a lot of attention. As soon as his VivaTech session on stage ended on Wednesday, he emerged from the Viva Lounge and was greeted by a crowd of people, as well as numerous cameras – most likely belonging to the media.

Amazon has invested about $4 billion in Anthropic, which was founded in 2021 alone.

Both Mistral AI and Anthropic are emblematic of the way in which AI firms have seemingly thrust themselves into the limelight overnight, thanks to massive investments from prominent industry giants and hype around the technology.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, for example, has become a much more recognizable figure as his firm grows at an astonishing rate and its stock price continues its rampant rise.