Marine veteran Daniel Penny landed a position with Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz earlier this week, less than two months after a jury acquitted him in the death of Jordan Neely.
According to a report in the New York Post, Penny will be a deal partner on the firm’s American Dynamism team in Manhattan.
An internal memo obtained by the Free Press quoted firm partner David Ulevitch as stating, “I believe, as I know many of you do, that Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation.”
Penny was acquitted on December 9 of criminally negligent homicide. He was recorded on video subduing Jordan Neely in a chokehold in May 2023 after Neely threatened passengers on a New York City subway. Neely was homeless, with more than 40 prior arrests and a history of mental illness.
Vice President JD Vance said on X that Penny’s new job was “Incredible news.” Vance and then-President-elect Donald Trump joined Penny at the annual Army-Navy college football game in December, five days after Penny’s acquittal.
Ulevitch’s memo continued, telling employees that “[Penny] 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.”
Ulevitch went on to explain Penny’s new role: “He will learn the business of investing and he will work to support our portfolio … We believe in Daniel and are excited to have him as part of our team.”
Penny’s position will involve advancing the firm’s relationships with the Department of Defense and the company’s other government and defense technology initiatives. The firm’s American Dynamism group also supports startups that address critical infrastructure, public safety, and national security needs.
