According to a report by The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform, is exploring an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to prepare for an IPO that could happen as soon as this year. Discord was valued at around $15 billion during its last valuation in 2021.
In response to the report, 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 in popularity, particularly among the gaming community, due to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a convenient voice chat option for gamers, and has recently added streaming capabilities. Discord remains free to use, though it offers monetized options for enhanced customization.
However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most up-voted comment reflects a common 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?" Similarly, on r/technology, users lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."
These reports are not entirely surprising, as Discord had been considered for an IPO for some time. 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 revealed that Discord decided to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
