Céline van Aalst
Partner
‘The best thing about innovative entrepreneurs? They push me to think differently’
Céline likes to build for the future. While others chase short-term gains, she focuses on building lasting frameworks that support entrepreneurs for the long haul. ‘It’s great to see a business model, a product and a person evolve,’ Céline believes. That outlook makes her a reliable partner for entrepreneurs who are looking to grow.
She is fascinated by technology: not so much the gadgets themselves, but the innovation that lies behind them. ‘Entrepreneurs who innovate call our current mindsets into question. I find it fascinating to be challenged that way.’ In an industry where everything moves at lightning speed — from market trends to legal challenges — Céline always keeps a calm head. Her catchphrase never fails to amuse the trainees at the office: ‘To every problem, there is a solution.’
On the outside, she appears relaxed, but inside, her brain is running at full speed. As soon as a problem pops up, she instantly shifts into solution mode. ‘Entrepreneurship in technology is not the same as setting up an ice cream shop, say. It’s complex, grows at pace, involves big risks and brings a whole host of legal challenges with it.’
When it comes to technology, Céline understands the nature of the beast. She knows that tech entrepreneurs usually need answers fast and plans ahead for just that. ‘You have to know which way the wind is blowing, and have the courage to stay pragmatic at the same time.’ That combination of deep knowledge and a practical approach is something clients appreciate enormously.
Céline also always makes sure that this knowledge is shared within Four & Five. When policymakers come up with new guidelines or change the law, she ensures that colleagues attend the relevant seminars and that this knowledge is shared in a manageable way. And that’s a role in which she feels completely at ease: ‘Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost.’
What you need to know about Céline:
- Céline obtained her Master of Laws (LLM) in corporate law from KU Leuven (cum laude) before taking an advanced master’s degree in corporate law.
- With postgraduate training as an administrator/liquidator under her belt too, she has a strong academic background.
- Before switching to Four & Five, Céline gained experience at Ligé Advocaten.
- Céline is known for staying calm under pressure and her ability to shift quickly from problems to solutions.
