NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 06: Daniel Penny is seen arriving to the Manhattan Criminal Court building on December 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Daniel Penny, acquitted of manslaughter charges in December, has been hired by Silicon Valley investment giant Andreessen Horowitz to support its portfolio companies and national security initiatives.
Daniel Penny, the former Marine who was acquitted of all charges in the high-profile subway chokehold case, has landed a job at the prestigious venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, partner David Ulevitch confirmed in an internal statement.
Penny will work in the firm’s American Dynamism practice, which focuses on companies supporting national security and public safety.
Penny’s legal battle began in May 2023 when he put 30-year-old Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness and violent outbursts, in a chokehold on a New York subway after Neely allegedly threatened passengers. Neely died from the restraint, and Penny was charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
The case ignited a national debate on self-defense, mental health, and racial justice. After a months-long trial, Penny was acquitted in December, with the jury determining his actions were justified given the circumstances.
Ulevitch, a general partner at the firm, directly referenced the subway incident when explaining the decision to hire Penny.
“I believe, as I know many of you do, that Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation,” Ulevitch wrote in a note to employees. “He was acquitted of all charges. Beyond that, it has always been our policy to evaluate the entire person and not judge them for the worst moment in their life.”
Penny’s military background, Ulevitch added, will help strengthen the firm’s ties with the Department of Defense and public safety sector.
Andreessen Horowitz’s founders, Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, have been vocal supporters of former President Donald Trump, signaling a shift in political sentiment within the tech industry. Penny, meanwhile, has remained out of the spotlight since his trial but was seen attending the Army vs. Navy football game with Trump in December.
His hiring at Andreessen Horowitz marks a dramatic reversal in fortune—going from facing 20 years in prison to securing a role at one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful investment firms.
“We believe in Daniel and are excited to have him as part of our team,” Ulevitch said in closing.
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