The CEO of an AI startup received a severed pig’s head and a threatening note when his tech firm threatened to upend the “traditional brokerage” business in Las Vegas real estate.
Blake Owens, the founder of Agrippa, was branded a “Clark Kent knockoff” and says he received the disturbing package at his home because his company released an ominous video in June.
The 30-year-old Vegas resident revealed he discovered the bloodied carcass wrapped in packing paper and stuffed inside a cardboard box.
“Came home, was notified of this package, opened it up and sure enough it was a pig’s head,” Owens told KLAS.
The unwanted gift included a note addressed to Owens.
“Clark Kent knockoff, a simple Google search goes a long way these days, especially in Vegas,” the sinister note read.
“Saw your Marcus video, what a joke. ‘AI’ is not going to replace brokers,” the unidentified sender wrote. Clearly you don’t understand real estate wasn’t built by developers or investors. And it sure as hell wasn’t built by tech guys in Lulu Lemon. It was built by brokers.”
Agrippa is an AI-powered, broker-free platform that connects commercial real estate Capital Seekers with Capital Providers, according to the company’s website.
The Las Vegas-based tech group champions itself as a firm that disrupts the status quo by challenging conventional practices and dismantling traditional barriers.
In June, Agrippa introduced its newly created AI program, Marcus, that helped secure a $45 million casino purchase.
The ominous video featured a news clip from KLAS announcing the sale before “Marcus” began speaking.
“Hello world. I am Marcus. The Future of CRE is here. Traditional Brokerage won’t survive,” the voice-over says.
Owens describes “Marcus” as an “omniscient dealmaker.”
The anonymous sender, who signed the letter with “M,” warned Owens to enjoy his moment before signing off with a veiled threat.
“We did it the hard way, no shortcuts, no tech, just people. So enjoy your moment while it lasts. And don’t get greedy because pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered,” the note read.
Owens likened the eerie gift to “The Godfather,” saying his sender had watched too much of the 1972 film.
“Perhaps this person watched too much of ‘The Godfather,’ maybe would’ve expected a horse’s head,” Owens said.
The tech founder wasn’t as worked up by the pig head because of the similarities it had with the Oscar-winning movie.
“It felt a bit theatric to take perhaps too seriously,” Owens told the outlet.
“I understand what it’s like to take hit after hit, so when you’re in an industry that has taken some hits and AI comes along threatens replacement, I understand they are going to react irrationally,” he said.
The tech leader extended an olive branch to his unknown agitator, calling for a truce and for them to have a one-on-one chat to get to the bottom of their problems.
“To that person, I know they have my information, I’m happy to speak with them – perhaps over email instead of a mailed package, but whatever I can do to help people embrace change I think is what I’d like to do,” Owens said.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan police have launched an investigation into the mysterious “M,” KLAS reported.
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