WHY INNOVATORS NEED A NEW BREED OF LAW FIRM
When I first started my legal career, founding my own law firm wasn’t even a consideration. I was content working at a top-tier firm, focusing on drafting contracts and managing legal transactions.
But everything changed during a business trip to Silicon Valley. While working closely with a tech client, the CFO asked me a simple yet thought-provoking question: “What do you want to do with your career?” That conversation sparked something in me—did I want to spend the rest of my life drafting and reviewing agreements for others, or did I want to launch something new?
Fast forward six years, and I am now the managing partner of my own firm, Four & Five, where I lead a team of 40 with my fellow co-founder, Dimitri Coun. We want to grow that even further by 2030. Combining my two passions—law and technology—I’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of clients, from start-ups to some of Belgium’s largest tech companies.
At Four & Five, we’re experts in bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and legal compliance, helping businesses navigate the complicated world of legal frameworks while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
A law firm that is a strategic partner
What sets Four & Five apart from its competitors is its proactive approach. Rather than simply reacting to legal challenges, the firm anticipates future obstacles, particularly when it comes to the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in the European Union, such as upcoming legislation on artificial intelligence, which is expected to impose significant legal constraints on companies.
It’s often a burden for our tech clients to do business because technology can do much more than what is allowed today from a legal perspective. Our challenge is to help entrepreneurs innovate while staying compliant.
This forward-thinking mindset is deeply embedded in our DNA. Four & Five“does not chase short-term victories;” but aims to build sustainable, long-term relationships with its clients. By positioning ourselves “outside the cockpit”—offering guidance without interfering—we enable entrepreneurs to chart their course while receiving expert legal advice.
It’s a unique position, and I’m proud of the trust our clients place in us.
Being based in Antwerp—a city I’ve loved since childhood—I’m passionate about the future of the region. I believe that Flanders’ future lies in growth companies, not in industries that have long since moved elsewhere.Supporting this ecosystem is my personal mission, and Four & Five is committed to playing a key role in driving innovation forward.
I’m proud of the impact our firm has made, helping companies thrive and preserving jobs by helping clients get the funds they need. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it’s what motivates me every day.
