Discord, the popular online communication platform, is gaining attention amid rumors about its future IPO plans. If the company decides to go public, investors will have the opportunity to access shares of one of the biggest names in the tech industry. This article provides essential information on Discord’s stock price and how to invest in its IPO.
1. Introduction to Discord
Discord is more than just a messaging app—it’s an inspiring story of transformation from failure to remarkable success. Initially, Discord was developed by Jason Citron, the founder of Hammer & Chisel, with the goal of creating a new online game. However, when the game failed to attract players, Citron made a bold decision: to abandon the gaming project entirely and instead focus on developing a specialized communication platform for the gaming community.
This strategic shift proved to be a game-changer. Upon launch, Discord quickly became an ideal tool for gamers, enabling them to chat via text and voice with minimal latency, providing essential support for multiplayer games. Prior to Discord, messaging solutions like Skype and TeamSpeak were frequently criticized for slow speeds and unstable audio quality, significantly impacting user experience. Discord addressed these weaknesses, delivering a smooth, convenient, and completely free communication platform.
Beyond gaming, Discord gradually expanded into various other communities. The cryptocurrency world was among the first to recognize its potential. Blockchain projects began using Discord to create dedicated discussion spaces, connecting investors and token holders, facilitating more focused and efficient information exchange.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic became a major catalyst for Discord’s expansion. As remote work and online connectivity surged, Discord extended its reach beyond gamers, attracting business, education, and finance communities. By 2021, as the crypto market experienced a boom, the platform continued to draw massive user interest.
Discord’s rapid growth also caught the attention of tech giants. In early 2021, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) considered acquiring the platform for $10 billion. However, negotiations did not result in a final deal, and Discord chose to remain an independent company.
In September 2021, Discord secured a $500 million investment from Dragoneer Investment Group, raising its valuation to approximately $15 billion. To date, Discord remains under the control of its founding team and has yet to be listed on the stock market.
2. Does Discord have an IPO?
Rumors about Discord’s IPO have circulated for years. Initially, the company planned to go public in 2022, but unfavorable market conditions led to a postponement until 2023. While there has been no official announcement, financial experts believe Discord could launch its IPO soon, presenting a significant investment opportunity for those interested in the tech and online communication sectors.
3. How to invest in Discord
Currently, Discord remains a private company and has not yet been listed on any stock exchange. However, there is growing speculation that the platform may conduct an initial public offering (IPO) in the near future. Previously, an IPO for Discord was anticipated in 2023, but the company has not officially confirmed any plans.
If Discord proceeds with an IPO, its shares will likely be listed on major exchanges such as the NYSE or NASDAQ. At that point, individual investors can gain access by opening an account with popular brokerage firms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or TD Ameritrade. These platforms provide easy access to trading stocks on the U.S. stock market.
Additionally, some brokerage firms offer opportunities to purchase shares during the IPO phase, provided that investors meet specific eligibility criteria. Fidelity is a noteworthy option, as it has previously invested in Discord through private funding rounds. However, not all investors will have early access to the IPO, as initial share allocations are typically reserved for large investment funds, financial institutions, or high-net-worth clients.
4. Who owns Discord?
Discord remains under the control of its founders, with Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy holding a significant share of ownership. In addition, the platform has received substantial funding from major institutional investors, including:
- Fidelity Investments – One of the leading financial corporations in the U.S.
- Dragoneer Investment Group – An investment firm focused on high-growth technology companies.
- Baillie Gifford – A Scotland-based investment fund known for backing innovative businesses.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment – A division of Sony that has invested in Discord to strengthen collaborations in the gaming industry.
Currently, Discord is valued at tens of billions of dollars and continues to attract interest from major investment funds. If the company goes public, existing shareholders will likely play a crucial role in the early stages of trading before its stock becomes widely available on the market.
While Discord has yet to confirm its IPO plans, should it materialize, investing in its stock could present a significant opportunity for investors. To prepare, staying updated with relevant news and choosing the right investment strategy is essential to ensure you don’t miss out when the stock is officially listed.
