“Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation,” said partner David Ulevitch in a statement explaining the hire.
By Olivia Reingold02.04.25 — Tech and Business
Daniel Penny arrives for his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 3, 2024, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images)
In less than two months, Daniel Penny has gone from facing a potential 20 years in prison to landing a role at Andreessen Horowitz, the premier investment firm in Silicon Valley.
In an internal statement seen by The Free Press, David Ulevitch, a general partner at the firm, confirmed the hire.
“He will learn the business of investing and he will work to support our portfolio companies,” wrote Ulevitch in a note sent to all employees this afternoon.
On May 1, 2023, Penny’s case became a lightning rod for controversy when Jordan Neely, a black homeless man with more than 40 prior arrests and a history of mental illness, wandered onto his subway car and, according to witnesses, began “threatening” passengers. Penny intervened, placing Neely in a chokehold. When Neely died shortly afterward, much of America turned on Penny—and the city’s progressive district attorney charged him with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter. Penny faced a possible 20 years in prison.
After a months-long trial, a New York jury acquitted Penny in December.
Announcing the hire, Ulevitch did not shy away from the May 2023 incident—in fact, he cited Penny’s actions that day when explaining the hire.
“I believe, as I know many of you do, that Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation,” he wrote. “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.”
He added that he envisions Penny, a former Marine, helping to strengthen the firm’s relationships with the Department of Defense and public safety sector. Penny will work in New York for the firm’s American Dynamism practice, a branch of the company that “invests in founders and companies that support the national interest.”
Penny has largely avoided the spotlight since his acquittal, but attended the Army vs. Navy football game with then–president-elect Donald Trump. He also revealed in his only post-acquittal interview to date that he still rides the subway—and was recently spotted reading a book while seated on the train.
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, the firm’s founders, are among the high-profile Silicon Valley leaders who came out for Trump ahead of last November’s election.
“We believe in Daniel and are excited to have him as part of our team,” said Ulevitch in the note.
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