According to a report by The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform, is reportedly exploring an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers in recent weeks to lay the groundwork for an IPO that could potentially occur as soon as this year. The company was last valued at around $15 billion 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 seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy and convenient voice chat option for gamers. Additionally, Discord has recently added streaming options to its suite of features. While the platform is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that provide access to a broader range of customizable features.
However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users about the long-term impact on Discord's functionality. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most up-voted comment expressed skepticism, 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 lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."
The news of a potential IPO is not entirely surprising, as Discord has been considered for such a move for some time. In 2021, it was reported that the company was in talks with at least three different companies, including Microsoft, about a possible acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and focus on pursuing an IPO.
