In a rapidly evolving world where technology consistently outpaces the law, bridging the divide between legal frameworks and innovation has become more critical than ever.
At the heart of this intersection lies Four & Five, a boutique law firm founded six years ago by Dimitri Coun and Anneleen Vander Elstraeten that carved out a niche for itself by not only offering legal expertise but by becoming a partner in the tech ecosystem.
With its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, Four & Five is well-positioned to support entrepreneurs and established businesses in navigating the complexities of law and technology.
The firm now boasts 40 people, with plans to expand further. The goal is to grow the firm’s size, an ambitious target for the relatively
small Flemish market. Nonetheless, the firm has gained significant momentum.
Legal expertise with a technological edge
Unlike traditional law firms, Four & Five integrates legal practice with technological innovation, offering services tailored specifically to the needs of growth companies. The firm represents a range of clients, from start-ups to some of Belgium’s most influential firms.
Anneleen Vander Elstraeten, Managing Partner, explains their approach: “We are experts at finding the balance between entrepreneurship and doing business on one hand and legal compliance on the other. We aim to be as pragmatic as possible, ensuring that our clients remain market leaders in their fields.”
The firm not only provides legal counsel but actively participates in the technological solutions of its clients. For example, they use digital signature software and employ vendor management solutions developed by clients. This partnership model allows the firm to offer more than just legal advice—it becomes a strategic partner in its clients’ businesses, attending board meetings and offering insights that can shape a company’s future.
Proactive legal counsel
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 clients to do business within technology because technology can do much more than what is allowed today from a legal perspective,” says Vander Elstraeten. “Our challenge is to help entrepreneurs innovate while staying compliant.”
This forward-thinking mindset is deeply embedded in the firm’s DNA. Four & Five “does not chase short-term victories;” instead, it aims to build sustainable, long-term relationships with its clients. By positioning itself “outside the cockpit”—offering guidance without interfering—it enables entrepreneurs to chart their course while receiving expert legal counsel.
Supporting Antwerp’s ecosystem
Antwerp has emerged as a tech hub, and Four & Five is deeply involved in nurturing this ecosystem. Vander Elstraeten, who has long been passionate about the region, emphasizes the city’s importance in Belgium’s financial and technological landscape.
She believes that the future of Antwerp and Flanders lies in supporting innovation, not in clinging to outdated industries.
To this end, Four & Five has taken on roles that go beyond legal representation. The firm was a key facilitator in launching Start-it@KBC, a start-up incubator in Antwerp, and was also a board member of the Beacon, a community focused on AI and IoT innovations. Through
these initiatives, the firm has become a central player in connecting the right people, ideas, and resources to fuel Antwerp’s burgeoning tech scene.
The firm also runs its own in-house academy – an educational and training initiative to provide legal professionals, students, and business leaders with a deeper understanding of legal topics and trends. This covers M&A, corporate law, dispute resolution, AI and GDPR compliance, regulatory frameworks, and extends to practical skills like negotiation and advocacy.
And in 2022, the firm noticed the need for an informal matchmaking event and started organizing the annual Four & Five Business Mixer, where founders and innovation managers are brought together in a fun and easygoing way. During an afternoon of networking, start-ups, and scale-ups get the opportunity to pitch their business.
Looking to the future
For Four & Five, the future is not just about growing in size but continuing to innovate alongside its clients. The legal experts of Four & Five are committed to staying ahead of trends, ensuring that they provide the best possible legal services while remaining an integral part of the ecosystem.
“Technology isn’t something physical but intangible,” says Vander Elstraeten. “It can substantially change the future of society, increase efficiency, and make that society future-proof.”
