According to sources cited by The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is reportedly exploring an initial public offering (IPO). Recent meetings between Discord's leadership and investment bankers have focused on early preparations for an IPO that could take place as soon as this year. In 2021, Discord was valued at approximately $15 billion.
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 seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, due to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a convenient voice chat option during gaming sessions. Recently, Discord has also introduced streaming options. While the platform is free to use, it offers various monetized options that provide access to a broader range of customizable features.
Despite its success, some users are worried that an IPO could negatively impact Discord's functionality in the long run. On Reddit's r/Discordapp, the top comment on the relevant thread expresses concern, 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 post in r/technology laments, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."
These IPO rumors are not entirely surprising, given previous reports. In 2021, it was revealed that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was reported that Discord opted to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
