Recent reports from The New York Times indicate that the popular chat platform Discord is exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). Sources suggest that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that might take place later this year. The last valuation of Discord in 2021 pegged its worth at approximately $15 billion.

In response to these rumors, a Discord spokesperson told The New York Times, "We understand there is a lot of interest around Discord’s future plans, but we do not comment on rumors or speculation. Our focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for our users and building a strong, sustainable business."

Discord has seen significant growth, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering an easy and convenient voice chat option during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has introduced streaming options and remains free to use, though it offers monetized features that enhance customization for users.

However, the prospect of an IPO has raised concerns among users. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most up-voted comment reflects a common sentiment: "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?" Similarly, on r/technology, users have expressed fears that Discord might be "brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO rumors are not entirely unexpected. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, Discord later decided to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.