Discord Explores IPO: Sources Report

According to a recent report by The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform, is reportedly exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has engaged with investment bankers over the past few weeks to discuss preliminary steps towards an IPO that might occur as early as this year. In 2021, Discord was valued at approximately $15 billion.

In response to these reports, a Discord spokesperson provided a statement to The New York Times, emphasizing the company's focus on user experience and business sustainability while refraining from commenting on rumors or speculation about an IPO.

Discord has experienced significant growth, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its user-friendly features and strong community and moderation tools. The platform's integration with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, as well as its recent streaming capabilities, have further boosted its appeal. Discord remains free to use, with additional customizable features available through various monetization options.

Despite its success, there's apprehension among users about the potential impact of an IPO on Discord's functionality. On Reddit, in the r/Discordapp community, the most up-voted comment expressed concerns that an IPO could lead to a decline in the platform's quality, with users fearing that it might follow the path of other companies that have "sold out." Similarly, in r/technology, users lamented the prospect of Discord being caught in a cycle of relentless growth.

The news of a possible IPO isn't entirely surprising. In 2021, it was reported that Discord had been in discussions with several companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, the company later decided to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.