Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that the popular chat platform Discord is gearing up 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 could potentially take place later this year. The company was last valued at around $15 billion in 2021, showcasing its significant market presence.
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 meteoric rise in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation tools. The platform has been seamlessly integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a convenient voice chat solution for gamers. Additionally, Discord has recently expanded to include streaming options. While the platform remains free to use, it offers various monetized features that provide users with enhanced customization options.
However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users about the platform's future. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the most up-voted comment on the topic reads, "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 lament, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."
These IPO rumors are not entirely surprising. Back in 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions 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.
