Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform, is considering an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to prepare for a potential IPO that might occur as early as this year. The company was valued at around $15 billion during its last valuation in 2021.

In response to these reports, 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 a significant rise in popularity, 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 for gamers. Additionally, Discord has recently introduced streaming options, enhancing its appeal. While the platform is free to use, it also offers various monetized options that provide access to a greater suite of customizable features.

However, the news of a potential IPO has sparked concern among users. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the most up-voted comment expressed skepticism about the impact of an IPO, stating, "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, in r/technology, users lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The possibility of an IPO isn't entirely unexpected. In 2021, it was reported that Discord was in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and focus on an IPO instead.