Discord Explores IPO: Sources

According to sources cited by The New York Times, the popular chat platform Discord is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO). Recent meetings between Discord's leadership and investment bankers suggest that preparations for an IPO could be underway, potentially as early as this year. The company was valued at approximately $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 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 seamless voice chat experience, and has recently expanded to include streaming options. While Discord is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that provide access to additional customizable features.

However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users about the long-term impact on Discord's functionality. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the top comment on the relevant thread expressed apprehension, 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 on r/technology lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO rumors are not entirely surprising, as Discord has been rumored to be considering this move 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 announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.