Latest news with #Agrippa
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
CEO of AI company gets bloodied pig's head in horror package as he's called a 'Clark Kent knockoff'
The CEO of an AI startup in Las Vegas receives a package containing a severed pig's head and threatening letter - believed to stem from his company's use of artificial intelligence. Blake Owens, founder and CEO of Agrippa, an AI-powered platform to connect commercial real estate investors and developers without traditional brokers, received the bloodied pig's head along with the menacing note on July 29. The gruesome parcel was sent to a relative's home, and the message criticized Owens' use of AI - with personal insults that called him a 'Clark Kent knockoff' and ended ominously with: 'And don't get greedy because pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Owens told KLAS: 'Perhaps this person watched too much of The Godfather. 'Needless to say, I still take it very seriously, but don't feel like I'm being truly threatened. It was a message.' The note was signed only with the initial 'M' and appeared to be motivated by a June TV segment that profiled Owens and Agrippa's AI tool, known as 'Marcus', to automate real estate transactions by matching developers with investors and evaluating property bids. The sinister letter also said: 'AI is not going to replace brokers. 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 Lululemon. It was built by brokers. We did it the hard way. No shortcuts, no tech, just people.' Owens said he believed the sender was fearful of being displaced by automation. The businessman said: 'I understand this person is probably just frustrated that business isn't going well for them, and then they see AI replacement stories on top of that. And I just so happen to be someone they can focus their frustration on.' A photo of the package showed the sender was labeled as 'Marcus Agrippa' - a reference to the company's AI system. Owens joked: 'Is this a message that you know your own AI is turning against you? I wasn't quite sure how to interpret it.' Las Vegas PD confirmed it was investigating the incident and classified it as a harassment case. A suspect was yet to be identified. Owens said he did not feel 'genuinely threatened' and would not press charges should the sender be eventually identified. He told KLAS: 'I don't want to punch down on this person; they may be in a tough spot in life. I do see this as an opportunity to show people you don't become a better person by making another man a lesser person.' Owens also addressed potential anxiety surrounding AI's growing presence in the workforce, particularly in fields such as real estate that had historically relied on personal relationships. He said: 'You know, people are scared. They feel displaced and when disruption moves faster than education, fear just fills the gap.' Owens added that Agrippa was not designed to replace humans but it was created to empower professionals through AI. He said: '[Winston Churchill] said to be perfect is to change often. I think a lot of people are afraid of change and what's coming with AI, because it really is a tsunami of change that people are trying to resist. But the more you embrace it, the better you'll do, the more skills that you'll accumulate, more value you'll bring to the table.' Despite the threatening nature of the package, Owens remained committed to encouraging dialogue and told Inman: 'If I knew who this person was, I'd say, "Hey, feel free to reach out to me - maybe not with a package, just send me an email - I'm happy to share whatever education I can on keeping up with AI."' The investigation into the incident remained ongoing.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Tech CEO Says He Was Sent Bloody Pig's Head Over Real Estate Deals
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The CEO of a tech company in Las Vegas said he was sent a bloody pig's head and a threatening note in the mail. Blake Owens, the founder and CEO of Agrippa, shared the contents of the note, in which an anonymous writer expressed anger at the company's use of AI to help people conduct real estate deals without brokers. The note said: "Don't get greedy because pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered." Newsweek contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via email on Friday outside of regular working hours. Why It Matters The incident highlights the fears and hostility some people feel toward AI because of its potential to disrupt traditional industries like real estate. What To Know Owens is the CEO of Agrippa, which is an AI platform that connects people looking for funding for commercial real estate projects with potential investors, without using a broker. The CEO told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the severed pig's head and note was mailed to a family member's house on July 29. Agrippa CEO Blake Owens said he was sent a bloody pig's head and a threatening note in the mail. Agrippa CEO Blake Owens said he was sent a bloody pig's head and a threatening note in the mail. Getty Images The note said: "'AI' is not going to replace brokers. 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 Lululemon. It was built by brokers." The note, which described Owens as a "Clark Kent knockoff," was written anonymously and was sent along with a pig's head wrapped in plastic. "Perhaps this person watched too much of The Godfather," Owens told 8 News Now. "Needless to say, I still take it very seriously, but don't feel like I'm being truly threatened. It was a message." Owens expressed empathy for the person who wrote the note, and said that he understood it came from a place of fear about change. "I understand this person is probably just frustrated that business isn't going well for them, and then they see AI replacement stories on top of that," Owens told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "And I just so happen to be someone they can focus their frustration on." Agrippa facilitated the $45 million sale of a Las Vegas hotel casino in June using its AI tool to help manage bids for the property. What People Are Saying Agrippa CEO Blake Owens told 9 News Now: "I think a lot of people are afraid of change and what's coming with AI, because it really is a tsunami of change that people are trying to resist. But the more you embrace it, the better you'll do, the more skills that you'll accumulate more value you'll bring to the table." What Happens Next The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department classed the incident as a "non-threat," according to Owens. The CEO said that he would not pursue charges if the sender was identified.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Hogs get slaughtered': Las Vegas CEO receives bloodied pig's head, threatening note in package with sinister message
A Las Vegas-based CEO reportedly received a bloodied pig's head and a threatening letter after an AI-related story about his company was aired on a popular television news segment. The incident is believed to be connected to his interview discussing the use of Artificial Intelligence in the real estate industry, according to multiple reports. 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. In the handwritten note, the person criticised Blake Owens ' use of AI and included personal insults, calling him a " Clark Kent knockoff ". The letter ended ominously, reading, "Don't get greedy because pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered". Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program ALSO READ: 'Stop the slide': Terrifying moment caught on cam as Royal Caribbean passengers scream when Icon of the Seas' slide shatters midway CEO receives bloody pig's head Owens, the 30-year-old resident of Las Vegas, revealed he discovered the bloodied carcass wrapped in packing paper and stuffed inside a cardboard box. 'Perhaps this person watched too much of The Godfather,' Owens said, as reported by 8 News Now. 'Needless to say, I still take it very seriously, but don't feel like I'm being truly threatened. It was a message.' Blake Owens said he did not expect to receive a dead animal in the mail on July 29, but the accompanying letter gave him a clue as to why it happened. The letter addressed to Owens, signed only with the initial 'M', read, 'saw your Marcus video, what a joke.' 'Clearly, you don't understand real estate wasn't built by developers or investors; it was built by brokers. We did it the hard way, no shortcuts, no tech, just people,' the letter said. Live Events 'Came home, was notified of this package, opened it up and sure enough it was a pig's head,' Owens told KLAS. 'Clark Kent knockoff, a simple Google search goes a long way these days, especially in Vegas,' the sinister note read. ALSO READ: $1,702 stimulus check in August: Last chance to apply for PDF closes soon. Check key dates, eligibility, tax implication Owens said he holds no ill will towards someone who seems to be going through a tough time. 'I don't want to punch down on this person; they may be in a tough spot in life,' he said. 'I do see this as an opportunity to show people you don't become a better person by making another man a lesser person.' 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. ALSO READ: Battlefield 6 open beta starts this week: How to join, rewards and timings revealed What did the letter contain? The letter was signed off simply with 'M'. The package was mailed to Mr Owens' family home on July 29 and it 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 the 1972 film too often. 'Perhaps this person watched too much of 'The Godfather,' maybe would've expected a horse's head,' Owens said. ALSO READ: Epic Games store's massive update: You can grab $45worth in free games for a limited period of time The tech founder wasn't as worked up by the pig head because of the similarities it bore to 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 [and] threatens replacement, I understand they are going to react irrationally,' he said. '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 has launched an investigation into the mysterious 'M,' KLAS reported.
International Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- International Business Times
Who is Blake Owens? Tech CEO Receives Pig's Head in Mail to in Chilling Warning Over Real Estate Tech
Blake Owens, a Las Vegas tech entrepreneur, was left in shock on July 29 as he received a creepy delivery after introducing AI tech for real estate. During the week of July 29, a disgusting, bloody pig's head was delivered with handwritten threatening notes to his relative's home, according to an interview Owens did with KLAS News. The letter ended with the chilling reminder that "pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered" and mocked Owens as a "Clark Kent knockoff." Owens thinks the package came because of his firm's AI software, "Marcus," which helps developers find investors and price bids in real estate deals. The feature of the tool is made available in the TV segment in June. Ending with a single letter "M," the note bluntly opposed the use of AI in commercial property sales. "'AI' is not going to replace brokers," the letter read. "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 Lululemon. It was built by brokers. 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." According to Owens, the sender might be someone whose job is at threat due to AI, particularly in the brokerage sector. The language in the letter indicates frustration because AI-driven solutions can bypass the need for traditional real estate agents in property deals. Owens Stays Calm, Urges Adaptation Owens says the delivery appears to be inspired by the movie "The Godfather". Though he does not feel threatened, but he is taking things seriously. He emphasized that Agrippa is working to improve productivity and collaboration in real estate rather than replace human employees. He urges brokers, developers, and investors to embrace AI tools as a way to get more opportunities.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Vegas real estate CEO receives bloody pig's head, threatening note in package
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. Advertisement 6 The bloodied pig's head sent to Blake Owens' house in Las Vegas, Nevada. Courtesy Blake Owens '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. Advertisement '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. 6 The letter was signed by the sender with 'M.' Courtesy Blake Owens Advertisement 6 Blake Owens is the founder of Agrippa, an AI-powered broker-free platform for commercial real estate. X / @BlakeJOwens 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. Advertisement '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.' 6 The pig head was wrapped in packaging inside a cardboard box. Courtesy Blake Owens 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. 6 Agrippa released a video introducing the company's AI software Marcus in June 2025. X / @BlakeJOwens Advertisement 6 Owens describes 'Marcus' as an 'omniscient dealmaker.' X / @BlakeJOwens 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. Advertisement 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.
