Contextual Solutions Blog
This page is dedicated to our original and curated content about FinTech, digital banking, LegalTech, and innovation.
European Fintech Fundraising & VC: 2025-2026
The "Fintech Winter" didn't end with a thaw; it ended with a renovation. In 2025, European fintech saw a 15% spike in AI down rounds, a 42% surge in late-stage funding, and massive consolidation deals like Global Payments and Worldpay. We analyze the shift from exuberance to industrial maturity and what lies ahead for 2026.
ASML's Investment in Mistral: A Step Toward European Sovereign AI?
The European artificial intelligence landscape has witnessed an important moment with ASML's €1.3 billion investment in Mistral AI, announced on September 9, 2025. This deal, part of Mistral's €1.7 billion Series C funding round, catapults the French startup to a valuation of approximately €11.7 billion, making it Europe's most valuable AI company.
EU Innovation Policy: Time to Start Funding Ideas, Not Companies?
Despite €100 billion in funding, EU innovation is stagnating. A new report calls for a radical shift: stop funding corporate giants and start empowering independent innovators. Here's what needs to change.
Introducing Bitesized Expertise: A Journey Into Insights With the Contextual Solutions Network
Bitesized Expertise, our series of livestreamed LinkedIn interviews with experts from across industries kicked off on February 5th, featuring Florian Graillot of astorya.vc. Before we dive deeper into the session and share Florian’s insights on fundraising, insurtech trends and fintech entrepreneurship, please allow us to share why we decided to launch these series.
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