Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform especially favored by gamers, is exploring an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers over the past few weeks to lay the groundwork for an IPO, which could be launched as early as this year. Discord's last valuation in 2021 pegged its worth at approximately $15 billion.
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's rise to prominence has been fueled by its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools, setting it apart from other platforms. Its integration into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles as a convenient voice chat option, along with recent streaming capabilities, has further boosted its appeal. The platform remains free to use, with monetized options available for those seeking enhanced customization features.
However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concern among users, with many fearing it could compromise Discord's long-term functionality. On Reddit's r/Discordapp, the most up-voted comment on the topic reads, "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."
These IPO discussions are not entirely surprising, given previous reports. In 2021, Discord was reportedly in discussions with multiple companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
