Discord IPO: Company Explores Going Public

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform, is considering an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that might occur later this year. The company was last valued at approximately $15 billion in 2021.

In response to these reports, 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 grown significantly, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-centric features and robust community and moderation tools. The platform's integration with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles has made it a go-to for voice chat during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has recently expanded to include streaming options. While the platform remains free to use, it offers various monetized features that enhance user customization.

However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the top comment on the relevant thread expressed worry that an IPO would negatively impact Discord's functionality in the long run, 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 post on r/technology lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO rumors are not entirely unexpected. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies interested in acquiring it, including Microsoft. However, the company later decided to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.