Barker, a New York-based Fintech company specializing in insurer-backed AI valuations for illiquid assets, has raised $3.5 million in new funding led by Walkabout VC. The investment will support the company’s plan to broaden adoption of its agentic valuation system, which aims to provide lenders with real-time, enforceable valuations for a wide range of complex assets used in asset-backed finance.
The company is positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional appraisals for complex and often illiquid assets such as private aircraft, fine art, specialized equipment, and GPUs. These assets are typically challenging to price with the accuracy and enforceability that lenders require. Barker addresses this challenge by delivering highly accurate valuations backed by Munich Re’s aiSure performance guarantee and insurance coverage. Under this structure, if an asset ultimately sells for less than the AI predicted, the difference is covered by insurance, allowing lenders to rely on valuations that function as enforceable financial instruments.
The company reported substantial traction following the launch of its partnership with Munich Re in the first quarter of 2025. Since then, Barker has produced approximately $2 billion in valuations and received approval for use by major banks and private lenders whose identities remain confidential. The new capital will help Barker expand into additional asset classes and strengthen relationships with institutions across the asset-based finance ecosystem.
KEY QUOTES
“Valuations should empower lending, not constrain it. 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.”
Thomas Galbraith, CEO and Co-Founder of Barker
“Barker is solving for the lack of confidence in illiquid collateral valuation across all asset-backed lending. We are excited to back the team as they scale to establish the global standard for asset valuation trust.”
Josh Diamond, General Partner at Walkabout VC
“Unreliable asset prices lead to unpredictable risks in lending. Our AI insurance partnership with Barker demonstrates the power of combining innovative technology with proven risk protection.”
Michael von Gablenz, Head of Insure AI at Munich Re
