Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that the popular chat platform Discord is considering an initial public offering (IPO). According to sources, Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that might occur as soon as this year. The company 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 among the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-centric features and effective moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a seamless voice chat experience during gameplay, and has recently added streaming capabilities. While Discord is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that enhance its customization features.
However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users about the long-term impact on Discord's functionality. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, 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, on r/technology, users lament, "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, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
