Discord IPO Rumors Surface

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that the popular chat platform, Discord, 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, which could potentially happen later this year. The last valuation of Discord in 2021 pegged the company at around $15 billion.

In response to these reports, a Discord spokesperson provided a statement to The New York Times, saying, "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 tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering users an easy and convenient voice chat option during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has introduced streaming options and remains free to use, although it offers various monetized features that enhance customization for its users.

Despite its success, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users about the long-term impact on Discord's functionality. On the subreddit 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, a comment on r/technology lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The news of a potential IPO isn't entirely surprising, given previous reports. In 2021, it was rumored that Discord was in talks with multiple companies, including Microsoft, about a possible acquisition. However, a month later, it was reported that Discord had chosen to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.