Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that the chat platform Discord is exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to prepare for an IPO that could potentially occur later this year. The last valuation of Discord in 2021 pegged the company at around $15 billion.

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 among the gaming community, thanks to its array of gaming-friendly features and robust moderation tools. The platform has been integrated into both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a seamless voice chat experience during gaming sessions. Additionally, Discord has introduced streaming options, enhancing its appeal. While the platform remains free to use, it also offers various monetized features that provide users with enhanced customization options.

However, the news of a potential IPO has sparked concern among users. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, 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 lamented, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

The prospect of an IPO is not entirely surprising, as Discord has been considering this move for some time. In 2021, it was reported that the company was in talks with at least three different companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was announced that Discord would remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.