Discord Considers IPO Amid Expansion Plans

Discord Considers Going Public with Potential IPO This Year

According to a New York Times report, Discord may be preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) as early as this year. Sources indicate the company has held discussions with investment bankers in recent weeks to explore the move. Discord was last valued at approximately $15 billion in 2021.

A Discord spokesperson told The New York Times: “We understand there is significant interest in Discord’s future plans, but we do not comment on rumors or speculation. Our focus remains on providing the best experience for our users and building a sustainable business.”

Why Discord’s Growth Makes an IPO Likely

Discord has become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers, due to its rich gaming-friendly features and superior moderation tools compared to competitors. Deep integrations with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles have further cemented its place as a go-to voice and text chat service, and the platform has expanded into streaming features. While Discord remains free, it monetizes through optional premium features like enhanced customization and Nitro subscriptions.

User Concerns Over an IPO’s Impact

Many users fear that going public could negatively impact Discord’s functionality and user experience. The most upvoted comment in r/DiscordApp reads, "Whelp! It's been fun, but any time a company goes public, *everything* goes downhill. What’s the next platform that won’t sell out, like the rest?"

Similarly, a highly upvoted post on r/technology states, "RIP Discord, now trapped in the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

Not a Surprise—Discord Has Eyed an IPO Before

This move aligns with Discord’s past ambitions. In 2021, reports surfaced that the company was exploring acquisition offers, including from Microsoft, before ultimately opting to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead. If these latest reports prove accurate, Discord could soon become a publicly traded company, marking a major shift in its business strategy.