According to a report by The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform favored by gamers, is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that might occur as early as this year. The last valuation of Discord in 2021 pegged its worth at approximately $15 billion.
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-centric features and robust moderation tools. The platform has become a staple in gaming culture, being integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles for seamless voice chat. Moreover, recent updates have included streaming capabilities. Discord remains free to use, with optional paid features that enhance customization.
However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the top comment on the subject expresses worry that an IPO could negatively impact Discord's functionality, 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, on r/technology, users lamented, "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 reported that Discord was in discussions with several companies, including Microsoft, about potential acquisition. However, a subsequent report revealed that Discord chose to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
