Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform favored by the gaming community, is exploring the possibility of 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 could potentially occur later this year. At its last valuation in 2021, Discord was estimated to be worth around $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 among gamers, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, providing a seamless voice chat experience. Additionally, Discord has introduced streaming options, enhancing its appeal. While the service is free to use, it offers various monetized options that unlock additional customizable features.
However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users. On Reddit's r/Discordapp, 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, in r/technology, users lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."
These developments are not entirely unexpected. In 2021, Discord was reportedly in discussions with multiple companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, it was later revealed that Discord opted to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.
