Discord Explores IPO: Report

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that the chat platform Discord is considering an initial public offering (IPO). According to sources, Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers over the past few weeks to lay the groundwork for an IPO that might occur as early as this year. The company was valued at approximately $15 billion during its last valuation in 2021.

In response to these rumors, 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, due to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been seamlessly integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy and convenient voice chat option during gameplay. Additionally, Discord has expanded its offerings to include streaming options. While the platform is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that provide users with a wider range of customizable features.

However, the news of a potential IPO has sparked concern among users. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most up-voted comment expresses worry that an IPO could negatively impact Discord's functionality in the long run, 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 comment 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 this move for some time. 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 instead pursue an IPO.