Penny Takes Job At Venture Capital Firm
Just months after a jury acquitted Marine veteran Daniel Penny in the high-profile subway incident that dominated headlines last year, Penny has landed a prestigious role with Silicon Valley venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz.
According to a report from the New York Post, Penny is joining the firm’s American Dynamism team in Manhattan as a deal partner, a role that will put him at the center of investments in companies tackling national security, public safety, and defense technology.
The move is already generating buzz in political and business circles.
Penny’s name became national news after he was charged in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man with over 40 prior arrests and a history of mental illness. The Marine veteran was caught on video subduing Neely in a chokehold aboard a New York City subway in May 2023 after Neely allegedly threatened passengers.
The case became a lightning rod for national debate—with some calling Penny a Good Samaritan who acted to protect innocent riders, while others claimed his actions were excessive. But in December, a jury cleared him of criminally negligent homicide, acquitting him on all charges.
Now, less than two months later, Penny is stepping into a new chapter.
An internal memo from Andreessen Horowitz partner David Ulevitch, obtained by The Free Press, explained the decision behind hiring Penny.
“I believe, as I know many of you do, that Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation.”
Ulevitch also addressed the controversy surrounding Penny’s past, making it clear that the firm evaluates the whole person, not just a single moment in their life.
“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 entire life.”
Penny’s hiring has already drawn support from some major political figures.
Senator JD Vance (R-OH), a vocal defender of Penny during his trial, celebrated the news on X (formerly Twitter), calling it:
“Incredible news.”
Vance and then-President-elect Donald Trump were both seen standing with Penny at the Army-Navy football game in December, just five days after his acquittal, in what was widely viewed as a public show of support.
Penny’s work at Andreessen Horowitz won’t just be a desk job. His new deal partner position will see him strengthening the firm’s relationships with the Department of Defense, as well as working on government-backed defense technology projects.
The American Dynamism team he is joining is tasked with investing in startups focused on critical infrastructure, national security, and public safety—areas that align closely with Penny’s background as a Marine veteran.
“He will learn the business of investing, and he will work to support our portfolio,” Ulevitch wrote. “We believe in Daniel and are excited to have him as part of our team.”