Discord IPO: Company Explores Going Public

According to sources cited by The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is reportedly exploring an initial public offering (IPO). Recent meetings between Discord's leadership and investment bankers have focused on early preparations for an IPO that could potentially occur later this year. Discord was valued at approximately $15 billion during its last valuation 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 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 both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a convenient voice chat option during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has recently introduced streaming options. The service is free to use, although it offers various monetized options that provide access to more 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 up-voted comment expresses apprehension, 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, on r/technology, users lament, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO reports are not entirely surprising, given previous indications that Discord was considering this move. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies about a potential acquisition, including Microsoft. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.