Discord IPO Plans Emerge

Discord, the popular chat platform favored 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 online discussion. Discord's widespread popularity, particularly within the gaming community, is attributed to its user-friendly features, robust moderation tools, and seamless integration with consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The platform's free-to-use model, complemented by various monetized options for enhanced customization, has contributed significantly to its success.

However, concerns have emerged among users regarding the potential negative impact of an IPO on Discord's long-term functionality. Reddit threads on r/Discordapp and r/technology reflect anxieties about the consequences of prioritizing "infinite growth," echoing sentiments expressed about similar platforms that have undergone IPOs. One highly upvoted comment on r/Discordapp succinctly captures this apprehension: "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?"

This IPO consideration isn't entirely unexpected. In 2021, reports surfaced about Discord's discussions with potential buyers, including Microsoft. However, the company ultimately opted to pursue an independent path, focusing instead on an IPO.