Daniel Penny Joins Silicon Valley Venture Capital Firm After Acquittal
Daniel Penny has been hired by Andreesen Horowitz as a deal partner after being acquitted in the subway chokehold case of Jordan Neely, receiving praise for his courage from the firm.
Daniel Penny has secured a position at Andreesen Horowitz, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm, less than two months after his acquittal in the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely.
Penny, a Marine veteran, will serve as a deal partner in the firm's American Dynamism team, which focuses on investments in government and defense technology. This information was confirmed by the company's website.
In an internal memo circulated to employees, Penny was praised for his "courage." David Ulevitch, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, expressed support for Penny's character, stating, “I believe, as I know many of you do, that Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation.”
Penny was acquitted of all charges related to the incident that occurred on May 1, 2023, when he placed Neely, a 30-year-old troubled homeless man, in a chokehold for several minutes after Neely had threatened others on an uptown F train in Manhattan.
Ulevitch emphasized that the firm evaluates individuals in their entirety and does not define them by their worst moments. He noted, “He will learn the business of investing and he will work to support our portfolio,” while also mentioning that Penny will assist in strengthening relationships with the Department of Defense and public safety sectors.
Penny, who has maintained a low profile since the trial, received supportive remarks from Vice President JD Vance when news of his hiring broke. Vance, along with Donald Trump and other officials, had previously attended the annual Army-Navy football game just days after Penny’s not guilty verdict.
Vance referenced the hiring as “Incredible news” in a post on X.
Andreessen Horowitz did not respond to requests for further comments regarding Penny's employment.
