Datashift acquires compliance expert Data Trust Associates.

Datashift, the fast-growing data and AI consultancy with offices in Leuven, Mechelen, Ghent and Rotterdam, has taken a strategic stake in the Antwerp-based compliance and data management consultancy Data Trust Associates. With this partnership, Datashift strengthens its expertise in data and AI compliance and supports organizations in navigating increasingly complex European regulations, such as GDPR, the Data Act and the AI Act. This marks another step in Datashift’s ambition to become the European reference for no-nonsense, data-driven impact.

As organizations increasingly invest in data and artificial intelligence, the need to develop these initiatives in a responsible and compliant way continues to grow. European regulations around data and AI are evolving rapidly, creating demand for partners that combine both technological and regulatory expertise.

“For successful data and AI projects, several capabilities are required: understanding the business context and underlying challenges, the technical expertise to build solutions, the ability to embed those solutions within organizations, and compliance with regulations,” says Nico Huybrechts, CEO of Datashift. “At Datashift, we have built a strong track record in the first three areas. Data Trust Associates brings deep expertise in compliance, regulation and risk management. By combining these complementary capabilities, we can better support organizations in projects where technology and regulation increasingly converge.”

Preserving identity

Datashift today announces that it is acquiring a majority stake in Data Trust Associates. The consultancy employs more than 30 people and is primarily active in Belgium and the Netherlands. In the past financial year, Data Trust Associates generated approximately €3.4 million in revenue and around €1 million in EBITDA. The Antwerp-based consultancy will continue to operate as an independent entity.

“We want to give Data Trust Associates the freedom to continue to grow and operate independently,” explains Nico Huybrechts. “Our teams at Datashift will be able to leverage their compliance expertise, while they in turn can rely on our deep technical and business capabilities to further strengthen their data projects. Where it makes sense, we will pursue synergies, but preserving identity remains key.”

First investment

This partnership also marks Datashift’s first acquisition. The combined group now grows to more than 200 employees, with a consolidated revenue exceeding €27 million. Today, Datashift also officially opened its new office in Leuven, in the presence of Mohamed Ridouani.

“By 2030, we aim to exceed €50 million in revenue. Today, we are primarily active in Belgium and the Netherlands, but in time we are also targeting acquisitions in Scandinavia and Germany. We are looking for companies that align with our culture and expertise, while remaining able to operate independently. With the support of our strategic partner Finco Private Equity, we aim to become the reference in Western and Northern Europe for no-nonsense, data-driven impact,” concludes Nico Huybrechts.

About Datashift

Datashift is a data consultancy that helps organizations become purposefully data-driven. From its offices in Leuven, Mechelen, Ghent and Rotterdam, a team of more than 175 data experts supports clients with their data challenges.

Since its founding in 2015, Datashift has grown consistently year after year, driven by its pragmatic approach and close collaboration with clients such as Colruyt Group, Rode Kruis Vlaanderen and IDEWE.

With an average annual growth rate of 40% and expected revenue of €25 million in 2025, the company continues to build on its international ambitions. Datashift aims to become the leading reference for no-nonsense, data-driven results in Western and Northern Europe by 2030.