Discord IPO: Company Explores Going Public

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that the popular chat platform, Discord, may be gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO). According to sources, Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for a potential IPO that could take place as soon as this year. In 2021, Discord was valued at approximately $15 billion, setting a high benchmark for its public debut.

In response to these reports, a Discord spokesperson provided a statement to The New York Times, saying, “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 grown significantly in popularity, particularly among the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been seamlessly integrated into both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy and convenient voice chat option for gamers. Additionally, Discord has expanded its offerings to include streaming options. While the platform is free to use, it also provides various monetized options that unlock a wider range of customizable features for users.

However, the news of a potential IPO has sparked concerns among users. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the top comment on a related thread expressed pessimism, 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 lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO rumors may not come as a surprise, as there have been previous indications that Discord was considering this path. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a possible acquisition. However, subsequent reports revealed that Discord opted to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.