Axel Desmet

Axel Desmet is a Tech & Commercial Lawyer at Cresco, specializing in technology-driven commercial arrangements, complex contracts, and digital regulation. As a transactional lawyer, Desmet focuses on the intersection of law and technology, advising clients on sophisticated commercial agreements in the digital economy.

Desmet's practice centers on tech and IT contracting, where he handles complex commercial agreements that drive modern business operations. His expertise encompasses Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud computing arrangements, reflecting the growing importance of cloud-based solutions in contemporary commerce.

A significant portion of Desmet's work involves licensing and intellectual property transactions, helping clients navigate the complex landscape of technology transfer and IP commercialization. He also advises on collaboration and research & development agreements, facilitating partnerships between organizations seeking to innovate together.

Desmet has developed particular expertise in artificial intelligence and data-related legal matters, positioning himself at the forefront of emerging technology regulation. His work in this area includes navigating the evolving legal frameworks surrounding AI deployment and data utilization in commercial contexts.

Desmet advises startups and spin-offs, providing legal guidance to emerging companies as they develop and commercialize new technologies. His experience extends to domain name disputes, helping clients protect their digital brand presence and resolve conflicts in the online space.

A key aspect of Desmet's practice involves data protection and digital regulation compliance. He advises clients on adherence to major European Union regulations including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the AI Act, the Data Act, and the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2). This comprehensive regulatory expertise enables him to guide organizations through the complex compliance landscape of digital business operations.

Desmet conducts his practice in English and Dutch, allowing him to serve clients across different linguistic markets and navigate the multilingual legal environment of European business.

Axel Desmet obtained his bachelor and master's degree at the University of Leuven (2023) and holds an LL.M. in Law & Technology from Tilburg University (2024). He previously worked as a Client Engagement Associate at a legal tech company before joining Cresco. He is a supervisory board member at Academics for Technology and serves as legal & finance lead for Slush'D, Belgium's leading startup event.

Full name	Axel Desmet
Role	Tech & Commercial Lawyer
Organization	Cresco
Country	Belgium
Industry	Legal
Specialties	Technology Law · Commercial Contracts · Digital Regulation · GDPR Compliance · AI Law · SaaS Agreements
Languages	en, nl
Consulting rate	EUR 150 per hour
Bookable	Yes — via TinRate

• What is GDPR and what does it cover? (GDPR Compliance)
• What is GDPR and why does it matter for businesses? (GDPR Compliance)
• What constitutes personal data under GDPR? (GDPR Compliance)
• What is GDPR and what does it regulate? (GDPR Compliance)
• What is GDPR and what does it regulate? (GDPR Compliance)
• What are the typical costs of implementing GDPR compliance? (GDPR Compliance)
• What is a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and when is one required? (GDPR Compliance)
• What tools are available for managing GDPR consent and preferences? (GDPR Compliance)
• How to implement privacy by design in software development? (GDPR Compliance)
• How do you properly handle data subject access requests under GDPR? (GDPR Compliance)

Expert	Role	Country	Rate	Languages
Arne Sabbe	Sports Lawyer / UCI Riders' Agent, Leyman Law & Sport / A&J All Sports	Belgium	EUR 130/hr	en, nl, fr
Arno Van Overberghe	Immigration Lawyer (Belgium), Voorrecht - Soenen Bruno BVBA	Belgium	EUR 100/hr	nl, fr, en
Ben Antonissen	Advocaat, Antonissen Advocaten	Netherlands	EUR 200/hr	nl, en, fr
Ben Leyman	Lawyer | Sports Lawyer | UCI Riders' Agent, Leyman Law & Sports | A&J All Sports	Belgium	EUR 150/hr	nl, en, fr
Benedicte Leroy	Legal Counsel, Noma advocaten	Belgium	EUR 250/hr	en, nl, fr
Benjamin Demuynck	Lawyer, Advocatenkantoor Benjamin Demuynck	Belgium	EUR 100/hr	nl, en, fr

• Book Axel Desmet on TinRate
• Axel Desmet - Associate at Cresco (company)
• Innovation Partnerships seminar featuring Axel Desmet (other)
• Team | Cresco - Axel Desmet Listed as Associate

1. Cresco team page - Axel Desmet profile — accessed 2026-04-09
2. Cresco team directory listing — accessed 2026-04-09
3. DORA compliance webinar mention — accessed 2026-04-09
4. Innovation Partnerships seminar — accessed 2026-04-09