Discord Is Reportedly Exploring an IPO

According to recent reports from The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that could occur as early as this year. The company was last valued at approximately $15 billion in 2021. In response to these reports, a Discord spokesperson stated to 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 expanded its reach by integrating with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy and convenient voice chat option during gaming sessions, and more recently, adding streaming capabilities. While Discord is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that provide users with additional customizable 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 expressed skepticism about the effects of going public, 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 reports of an impending IPO 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.