Discord Explores IPO: Reports

According to reports from The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is considering an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers recently to prepare for a potential IPO that might take place later this year. The company was valued at around $15 billion during its last assessment in 2021.

In response to these reports, a spokesperson from Discord told The New York Times, "We understand there is a lot of interest around Discord’s future plans, but we do not comment on rumors or speculation. Our focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for our users and building a strong, sustainable business."

Discord has seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles as a convenient voice chat option during gaming sessions, and it has also introduced streaming capabilities. Discord is free to use, but it offers various monetized options that provide users with enhanced customization features.

Despite its success, some users are apprehensive about the potential impact of an IPO on Discord's functionality. A highly upvoted comment on the r/Discordapp subreddit expresses concern, stating, "Whelp! It's been fun, but anytime someone decides they want to 'make a public offering' then the company *everything* goes to shit. What's the next communications platform promising to not sell out, like all the others?" Similarly, a comment on r/technology reads, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The news of a potential IPO isn't entirely unexpected. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies interested in acquiring it, including Microsoft. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.