Discord Explores IPO: Reports

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform especially favored by the gaming community, is exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has engaged with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO, which might occur as soon as this year. Discord's valuation was pegged at around $15 billion during its last assessment in 2021.

In response to these reports, 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 grown significantly, becoming a go-to platform for gamers thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust community tools. It's now integrated into both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering easy voice chat options during gameplay, and has added streaming capabilities. While the platform is free to use, it offers various monetized features that enhance user customization.

However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users. On Reddit's r/Discordapp, the top comment on the relevant thread expresses 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, in r/technology, users lament, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The news of an impending IPO isn't entirely surprising. In 2021, it was revealed that Discord was in discussions with several companies, including Microsoft, about potential acquisition. However, the company later decided to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.