AI Is Not Going to Replace Brokers': Bloody Pig's Head and Sinister Note Sent to Startup CEO Trying to Disrupt Industry

The founder of a trailblazing artificial intelligence firm in Las Vegas was left shaken after receiving a severed pig's head and a threatening letter at his family home—an act believed to be linked to his company's attempt to upend the traditional real estate industry.

Blake Owens, CEO of Agrippa, says the macabre package arrived just weeks after his firm launched Marcus, an AI platform designed to eliminate the need for brokers in commercial property transactions. The note, signed only with the letter 'M', appeared to come from someone furious about the disruption his technology posed to Las Vegas's long-established brokerage sector.

According to a report by KLAS 8 News Now, Owens was labelled a 'Clark Kent knockoff' and believes he received the alarming package at his home after his company published a provocative video in June.

The Discovery of the Threat

The 30-year-old Las Vegas resident discovered the bloodied carcass after returning home. He explained that the pig's head was wrapped in packing paper and sealed inside a cardboard box. 'Came home, was notified of this package, opened it up, and sure enough it was a pig's head.'

The Chilling Note

'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.'

The letter was signed off simply with the initial 'M', and the threatening package was sent to Owens's family home on 29 July.

What Is Agrippa and 'Marcus'?

According to the company's website, Agrippa is an artificial intelligence-powered, broker-free platform that connects capital seekers in the commercial real estate sector with capital providers. The technology group, based in Las Vegas, prides itself on being a firm that disrupts the status quo by challenging conventional practices and dismantling traditional barriers.

Agrippa launched its new AI programme, Marcus, in June, which helped secure a $45 million (£33.50 million) casino purchase. The video featured a news report from KLAS about the sale, before the programme 'Marcus' began to speak.

'Hello world. I am Marcus. The Future of CRE is here. Traditional Brokerage won't survive,' the voiceover declared. Owens went on to describe the AI as an 'omniscient dealmaker.'

The Final Warning

The anonymous sender, identified only by the initial 'M', warned Owens to enjoy his current success before ending the note with a menacing threat. The note read: '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.'

Owens compared the unsettling gift to a scene from 'The Godfather,' suggesting the 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,' he said.

The tech founder said he wasn't as concerned by the pig's head, due to its resemblance to the Oscar-winning film.

'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.

An Offer of Dialogue

Owens extended an olive branch to his unknown antagonist, suggesting a truce and a private conversation to resolve their issues. '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.

According to KLAS, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have started an investigation into the mysterious individual known as 'M.'

Authorities have yet to make any arrests, but Owens hopes the incident will not overshadow the broader conversation about innovation, disruption, and adapting to the future of business.