2Flo Ventures Welcomes Rodney Cotton
Chicago, Dec. 4, 2024 - In a significant move to boost its leadership team, 2Flo Ventures has announced the appointment of Rodney Cotton as a Venture Partner. This strategy reaffirms the firm’s commitment to harnessing innovative healthcare solutions that address disparities and promote health equity. With over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Cotton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
An Experienced Leader in Pharmaceuticals
Rodney Cotton's career is marked by influential roles at prominent organizations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Baxter International, and Roche. His tenure at Roche saw him as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the CEO of Diagnostics, where he was pivotal in leading transformative strategies. Cotton's holistic and proactive approach has positively impacted various commercial operations across different healthcare entities, significantly enhancing healthcare access and outcomes.
His stellar achievements include driving substantial financial growth and cultural shifts within four global healthcare companies and managing teams of up to 280 members. Notably, he oversaw a profit and loss responsibility that exceeded $1 billion in revenue.
Strategic Vision for 2Flo Ventures
Paul Burton, Managing Partner at 2Flo Ventures, expressed excitement about the transformative potential that Cotton brings. "Rod's addition strengthens our network and enhances our collective knowledge base. Given our mission to invest in sectors with unmet needs, his insights will prove indispensable as we support companies through significant milestones, like the ongoing Phase III trial for Vivacelle Bio’s hypovolemia treatment for septic shock."
Cotton’s appointment comes at a time when innovative solutions in public health are becoming increasingly critical. He has previously championed health equity initiatives and will leverage his strategic acumen to propel the growth of 2Flo’s portfolio companies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cotton led a dedicated team at Roche, expediting the development of six groundbreaking products in under a year, one of which became known for its accuracy as a molecular diagnostic test. His efforts not only revolved around product development but also included addressing challenges in supply chain logistics to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medical resources.
Due to these substantial contributions, Cotton was honored with The Sagamore of the Wabash Award, one of Indiana's highest accolades, showcasing the industry’s recognition of his work.
A Commitment to Health Equity
Cotton's educational background includes an MBA from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and an M.S. in Strategic Management from the University of Southern California. His insights into therapeutics, diagnostics, and devices will play a crucial role in shaping investment strategies at 2Flo Ventures.
Cotton remarked, "I'm thrilled to join a forward-thinking team dedicated to healthcare advancements. My vision aligns with 2Flo’s mission to drive innovation that makes a real difference in people's lives. I believe that in collaboration, we can navigate challenges effectively and craft impactful solutions that create meaningful progress in health equity."
The Chief Innovation Officer of Vivacelle Bio, Cuthbert Simpkins, MD, also spoke highly of Cotton's prior advisory role with 2Flo. He noted that Cotton's guidance was instrumental in developing strategies that assured global access to their products. The collective experience of 2Flo Ventures, backed by a robust team of over 40 advisors specializing in life sciences, positions them at the forefront of health equity initiatives.
About 2Flo Ventures
Founded in Chicago, 2Flo Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm and startup studio committed to advancing healthcare innovations. The firm has successfully invested in nine companies and has collectively raised over $85 million, signaling its impact in biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health sectors.
By aligning with leaders like Rodney Cotton, 2Flo Ventures aims to further its mission of addressing significant unmet medical needs while promoting health equity across communities. For more information, visit
www.2floventures.com.