Contextual Solutions (Fin)Tech Blog
Our blog is for tech connoisseurs who would like to be the first to know about tech, regulation, and innovation news, our exclusive events, discount offers, and partnership announcements. In addition, our blog provides access to fundamental financial technology articles and resources, ranging from mobile banking to digital assets.
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Why European fintech is narrowing on the AI-native
H1 2026 brought European fintech's thinnest deal count in more than a decade, even as global funding climbed to $28.6 billion. The money is pooling into fewer, larger, AI-native bets, and regulation is widening the gap between the funded and the frozen.
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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