Mistral AI's valuation doesn't automatically mean the AI Act is smooth sailing for everyone; my gut tells me this is a classic case of seeing what you want to see. One big success doesn't set a pattern for the countless smaller operations that don't have billions in the bank to throw at compliance paperwork or specialist lawyers.
It smells like assuming one person winning the lottery means every neighbour can afford a mansion.
To really know if the AI Act is viable, we'd need to see actual data on how many startups, particularly the ones without massive funding rounds, are managing to navigate these rules, not just one shining example.
If a small outfit in Birmingham can't afford the legal review a big firm can, then this whole thing feels off.