Dr. Eliot Cotton

Biography

Eliot Cotton is an experienced attorney and venture capital executive who has returned to Texas Law from the private sector in New York City to lead a new initiative on business and the law. His career has explored the dynamic interplay between business strategies and legal frameworks, providing a unique perspective that informs his academic work by bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications of law and business. His areas of specialty include private equity, venture capital, corporate finance, transactional negotiations, and boardroom strategy. Prior to joining Texas Law, Eliot held the position of Co-General Counsel and Managing Director at Riverstone Holdings, a New York-based private equity firm, from 2018 to 2024, where he played a key role in investments related to decarbonization, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects. Before that, he was an attorney at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., focusing on capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity, and spearheaded the firm’s venture capital practice for emerging companies in New York. Throughout his career, Eliot consistently delved into the interplay of business strategies and legal frameworks, particularly in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Research Interests