Discord Explores IPO: Sources Report

According to a report from The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform especially beloved by gamers, is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that 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 soon as this year. Discord's last valuation in 2021 pegged its worth at approximately $15 billion.

In response to the IPO speculation, 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 within the gaming community, thanks to its user-friendly features and robust community and moderation tools. The platform has been seamlessly integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering gamers an easy and effective voice chat solution. Additionally, Discord has recently expanded its capabilities to include streaming options. While the core service is free, Discord also offers various monetized options that provide users with a wider array of customizable features.

However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concern among users. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most upvoted comment on the topic expressed apprehension: "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, sentiments lean towards pessimism with comments like, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The IPO rumors are not entirely surprising, as there have been previous indications of Discord exploring this route. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in talks with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and focus on pursuing an IPO.