Discord Is Reportedly Exploring an IPO

Discord, the popular chat platform beloved by gamers and beyond, is reportedly eyeing an initial public offering (IPO), according to sources cited by The New York Times. Recent meetings between Discord leadership and investment bankers suggest preparations are underway for a potential IPO as early as this year. Discord's last valuation, in 2021, pegged its worth at approximately $15 billion.

While a Discord spokesperson declined to comment on speculation regarding future plans, emphasizing their commitment to user experience and business sustainability, the news has sparked considerable discussion online. Discord's rise to prominence is largely attributed to its gamer-friendly features, robust moderation tools, and convenient integration with major gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, offering seamless voice and streaming capabilities. Crucially, Discord remains free to use, offering optional paid features for enhanced customization.

However, the IPO news has ignited concerns among users. Reddit threads on r/Discordapp and r/technology express anxieties that an IPO could negatively impact Discord's functionality and overall user experience, mirroring sentiments about similar platform transitions. Comments reflect a fear of prioritizing profit over user experience, a common concern surrounding publicly traded companies.

This IPO consideration isn't entirely unexpected. In 2021, reports surfaced of Discord exploring acquisition offers from companies including Microsoft. However, the company ultimately opted to pursue an independent path, focusing instead on an IPO as its preferred route for future growth.