According to sources cited by The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO). Recent discussions with investment bankers suggest that Discord may be gearing up for a public debut as early as this year. At its last valuation in 2021, the company was estimated at around $15 billion. A spokesperson from Discord, however, responded to these reports by stating, “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's integration into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles has further enhanced its appeal by offering a seamless voice chat option during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has recently added streaming capabilities, enhancing its functionality. While the service is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that provide access to a broader range of customizable features.
However, the news of a potential IPO has sparked concerns among users. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the most up-voted 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, a comment in r/technology reads, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."
The possibility of an IPO for Discord isn't entirely surprising. In 2021, it was reported that Discord had been in discussions with at least three companies interested in purchasing it, including Microsoft. However, subsequent reports indicated that Discord chose to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
