Las Vegas-Based Augustus Launches $7.5M QOF Following $45M Deal, Commits $2M to Sister Company Agrippa

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LAS VEGAS, April 29, 2025 ~ Las Vegas, NV - Agrippa, a cutting-edge platform utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to connect commercial real estate (CRE) capital seekers and providers, has recently announced securing a significant investment of up to $2 million from its sister company, Augustus. This strategic investment is made possible through Augustus' debut Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF), which has a total value of $7.5 million. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of Agrippa's proprietary AI engine, "Marcus," and support the company's hiring efforts.

According to Blake J. Owens, founder of both Agrippa and Augustus, Marcus is designed to be an all-knowing dealmaker. "Its mission is simple: decode the who, what, when, where, and why of every transaction by forecasting behavior, uncovering hidden leverage, and thinking several moves ahead, like a chess grandmaster," he explained.

By utilizing machine learning and game theory concepts such as Nash Equilibrium, Marcus goes beyond simply reacting to the market - it anticipates it. This allows users to achieve the best possible outcome by steering them towards optimal deals. With Marcus at its core, Agrippa aims to eliminate fragmentation in dealmaking and reduce intermediary costs by revolutionizing how deals are presented, matched, and negotiated.

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The momentum behind Marcus gained traction earlier this year when Agrippa featured a $45 million ground lease transaction involving the land under the Eastside Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Owens stated that they worked closely with the seller of the ground lease and witnessed firsthand how market dynamics, buyer intent, and long-term incentives intersected. While interested buyers surfaced through Agrippa's platform, Marcus analyzed numerous variables and ultimately identified the building's existing owner as the ideal counterparty.

"This transaction laid the groundwork for Marcus' fundamental purpose: not just understanding what is available but identifying what is optimal," said Owens. "It was the right outcome at the right time, cementing the core thesis behind Marcus and simultaneously setting the stage for the launch of the Augustus QOF."

Agrippa and Augustus work hand in hand, with Agrippa identifying opportunities and Augustus deploying capital. Together, they create a self-reinforcing engine that compounds value over time. "Augustus exists to invest in the most compelling deals on Agrippa," Owens explained. "We're already evaluating our next opportunity, a multifamily development in a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ). However, our first investment will focus on supporting Agrippa's growth."

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In line with their commitment to growth, Agrippa has relocated its operations to a Las Vegas Qualified Opportunity Zone Business (QOZB). This move allows them to take advantage of powerful tax incentives offered by the QOZ program, which was created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. These incentives include potential exclusion of capital gains taxes on qualifying investments held for at least 10 years.

"The QOZ program enables us to grow while contributing to Southern Nevada's economic development... it's a win-win for everyone," said Owens. In the coming months, Agrippa plans to exclusively hire from Las Vegas, tapping into the city's expanding pool of local talent and recent university graduates.

"In today's volatile macroeconomic environment, achieving this milestone speaks volumes," said Owens. "We bet on ourselves and our city. Many of our investors, including Agrippa's earliest backers, are residents of Las Vegas who believe in the city's trajectory. As a native, my pride in witnessing that transformation runs deep."

By combining capital, technology, tax advantages, and local vision, Agrippa and Augustus are positioning themselves and their investors at the forefront of a reshaped CRE landscape. With their innovative approach to dealmaking and strategic investments, they are poised for continued success in the commercial real estate industry.
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