According to recent reports from The New York Times, Discord, the popular chat platform, is actively exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers over the past few weeks to lay the groundwork for an IPO that could potentially occur as early as this year. The last valuation of Discord in 2021 pegged the company at approximately $15 billion.

In response to these reports, a spokesperson for Discord 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 user-friendly features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a seamless voice chat experience during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has introduced streaming options, further enhancing its appeal. While the service is free, it also offers various monetized features that provide users with additional customization options.

Despite its success, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users. On the r/Discordapp subreddit, the most upvoted 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, a post on r/technology laments, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The news of a potential IPO isn't entirely surprising. In 2021, Discord was reportedly in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a possible acquisition. However, a month later, it was reported that Discord opted to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.