Discord IPO Rumors Circulate

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, a popular chat platform, is exploring an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to prepare for a potential IPO that could occur as early as this year. The company was last valued at approximately $15 billion in 2021.

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 gained significant traction, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation tools. The platform's integration into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles has further solidified its position as a go-to voice chat solution during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord offers streaming capabilities and remains free to use, although it provides various monetized options for enhanced customization.

However, the news of a potential IPO has sparked concerns among users about the platform's future. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the top 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, a comment on r/technology lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These reports are not entirely surprising, given previous indications of Discord's IPO considerations. In 2021, it was reported that the company had been in discussions with at least three potential buyers, including Microsoft. However, Discord later decided to remain independent and focus on pursuing an IPO.