The Investment Management and Merchant Banking Services business was launched in 2003 as an outgrowth of the firm's advisory activities and initially oriented toward acquiring seller notes. Barker Capital began its lending activities after identifying the underserved niche of lower middle market media companies and media entrepreneurs. In Barker Capital’s experience, such companies and individuals often are overlooked by money center banks, which are focused primarily on larger media transactions, and other banks, which often do not have the necessary media expertise.

In 2004, Barker Capital closed BC Media Fund I to make senior secured loans to lower-middle market media companies and media entrepreneurs. Due to the success of Fund I and increasing deal flow, BC Media Fund II was launched in 2008.

Barker Capital does not have preset minimum or maximum loan sizes or terms, but most funded loans have been in amounts between $5.0 and $15.0 million for between one and three years. Most of the loans have been derived from proprietary deal flow that is reflective of Barker Capital’s extensive relationships in the media business.