Discord IPO: Company Explores Going Public

According to sources cited by The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform favored by the gaming community, is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO). Recent meetings with investment bankers suggest that Discord could go public as early as this year. The company'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 has seen significant growth, particularly among gamers, thanks to its gaming-friendly features, robust moderation, and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy voice chat solution during gaming sessions, and has recently added streaming capabilities. Discord is free to use, though it offers various monetized options for enhanced customization.

Despite its popularity, some users are worried that an IPO might negatively impact Discord's functionality in the long run. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most upvoted comment expressed 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, on r/technology, a user lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The prospect of an IPO is not surprising, given past reports. In 2021, Discord was reportedly in discussions with multiple companies, including Microsoft, about potential acquisition. However, the company later announced its intention to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.