Discord IPO: Company Explores Going Public

According to sources cited by The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform, 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 as early as this year. The last valuation of Discord in 2021 pegged the company at around $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 has seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, due to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy and convenient voice chat option for gamers. Additionally, Discord has introduced streaming options, further enhancing its appeal. The service remains free to use, although it offers various monetized options that provide access to additional customizable features.

Despite its success, there are concerns among users about the potential impact of an IPO on Discord's functionality in the long term. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the most up-voted comment on the relevant thread expresses skepticism, 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 laments, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO rumors are not entirely surprising, as Discord has been considered for such a move for some time. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in talks with at least three different companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and focus on an IPO.