Discord Explores IPO: Reports

According to sources cited by The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO). Recent meetings between Discord's leadership and investment bankers have focused on early preparations for an IPO that might occur as early as this year. The company was last valued at around $15 billion in 2021.

In response to the report, a Discord spokesperson 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 surge in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles as a convenient voice chat option during gameplay, and has recently added streaming capabilities. While Discord is free to use, it offers various monetized options that provide access to additional customizable features.

However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users about the potential long-term impact on Discord's functionality. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the most upvoted comment reflects a common sentiment: "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, on r/technology, users lament, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The news of a potential IPO is not entirely unexpected. In 2021, Discord was reportedly in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a possible acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.