Barker, a pioneering Fintech firm that transforms illiquid asset valuations into insurance-backed instruments, secured $3.5 million in funding led by Walkabout VC. The new capital will accelerate the expansion of Barker’s agentic valuation system, delivering real-time, enforceable hard asset valuations across asset-backed finance.
Barker is redefining how loan collateral is priced and protected. Traditional appraisals for complex assets—from private jets to art, equipment, and GPUs—often lack the accuracy and enforceability lenders require. Barker addresses this critical gap by providing accurate, insurer-backed valuations. Uniquely, Barker warranties valuations, backed by Munich Re’s aiSure performance guarantee insurance. If an asset sells for less than the AI predicted, the error gap is covered. This transforms once subjective opinions into enforceable instruments, unlocking confidence and capital.
“Valuations should empower lending, not constrain it,” said Thomas Galbraith, CEO and co-founder of Barker. “We are the trust layer for asset-based finance. Offering highly accurate AI-based valuations with insurance protection, supports lenders with the trust they need to turn illiquid assets into investable capital.”
Walkabout VC’s investment underscores the growing market demand for sophisticated technology and risk solutions in asset-backed lending.
“Barker is solving for the lack of confidence in illiquid collateral valuation across all asset-backed lending,” said Josh Diamond, General Partner at Walkabout VC. “ We are excited to back the team as they scale to establish the global standard for asset valuation trust.”
The funding follows a period of significant momentum for Barker, having launched its partnership with Munich Re in Q1 2025. Since then, Barker has conducted $2 Billion in valuations and has been approved for use by bulge banks and private lenders who, given the nature of the business, remain confidential.
“Unreliable asset prices lead to unpredictable risks in lending,” commented Michael von Gablenz, Head of Insure AI at Munich Re. ”Our AI insurance partnership with Barker demonstrates the power of combining innovative technology with proven risk protection.”
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