The Mistral AI valuation isn't just an "isolated incident"; it creates a false precedent that can distort how regulators view the actual compliance burden for everyone else.
Just because one massive company can afford the regulatory overhead doesn't mean the AI Act framework is suddenly viable for smaller players or even permitted to operate without friction in diverse global markets.
Many startups, especially those operating across different jurisdictions, will find the mandate of the AI Act extremely difficult to navigate without the kind of capital Mistral AI has.
For instance, here in Senegal, a local tech startup would face significant challenges meeting EU standards, even if its product is excellent, due to the sheer cost of approval and differing local standards.