Discord Considers Going Public in IPO

According to sources cited by The New York Times, Discord is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO).

The discussions indicate Discord executives have recently held meetings with investment bankers to begin preliminary planning for a potential public listing, which could take place within the current year. Discord was last valued at approximately $15 billion in 2021.

A Discord representative provided the following statement: “We recognize there is significant interest in Discord’s future direction, but we do not address rumors or speculation. Our priority continues to be enhancing the user experience and building a resilient, long-term business.”

Discord has experienced substantial growth, becoming a favored platform within gaming communities due to its extensive gaming-oriented features and its comparatively strong moderation and community management tools. Its integration into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles provides a seamless voice chat solution for gamers, and the platform has also expanded into streaming. Crucially, Discord remains free to use, while offering optional paid subscriptions for advanced customization.

However, some users have voiced worries that transitioning to a public company could negatively impact Discord's service quality over time. A highly upvoted comment on an r/Discordapp discussion states, “It was good while it lasted. Once a company pursues an IPO, everything tends to go downhill. What will be the next communication platform that truly resists selling out?”

Similarly, a post on r/technology reads, “RIP Discord—now caught in the endless cycle of growth at all costs.”

News of a potential IPO may not come as a complete surprise, as Discord has explored this path before. In 2021, the company was reported to be in acquisition talks with several firms, including Microsoft. Shortly after, Discord chose to remain independent and focus on preparing for a future public offering.