Discord Is Reportedly Exploring an IPO

Discord, the popular chat platform favored by gamers and beyond, is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO), according to sources cited by The New York Times. Recent meetings between Discord leadership and investment bankers suggest preparations are underway for a potential IPO as early as this year. Discord’s last valuation, in 2021, placed its worth at approximately $15 billion.

In response to the reports, a Discord spokesperson offered a standard non-committal statement: “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's rise to prominence is largely attributed to its user-friendly interface, robust moderation tools, and extensive gaming-centric features. Integration with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, providing seamless voice chat during gameplay, and the recent addition of streaming capabilities have further boosted its appeal. Crucially, Discord remains free to use, offering various paid options for enhanced customization.

However, news of a potential IPO has sparked considerable apprehension among users. Concerns are voiced across online communities, with prevalent sentiment reflecting fears that an IPO could negatively impact Discord's functionality and overall user experience. A highly upvoted comment on r/Discordapp succinctly captures this 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?" Similar anxieties are echoed on r/technology, with comments such as "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO reports are not entirely unexpected. In 2021, Discord was reportedly in discussions with several potential acquirers, including Microsoft. However, the company ultimately opted to pursue an independent path, focusing instead on an IPO.