In the dynamic landscape of tech companies, ownership and major stakeholders can often shift with investments, mergers, and acquisitions. Discord, the popular communication platform known for its deep roots in the gaming community, has also been the subject of much speculation and interest from larger tech conglomerates. So, who exactly owns Discord as of now? Let’s dive in.
A Brief History of Discord
Founded in 2015 by Jason Citron and Stan Vishnevskiy, Discord started as a niche platform targeting gamers. The goal was simple: provide a free, reliable, and intuitive communication tool for gamers. Fast forward a few years, and Discord has expanded beyond gaming, becoming a community platform for various groups and interests.
Ownership and Funding
Discord, Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel) is the company behind Discord. As of my last update in September 2021:
- Founders: Jason Citron and Stan Vishnevskiy are the brains behind the platform, but they don’t ‘own’ it in the traditional sense. Instead, they hold significant stakes and leadership positions in the company.
- Investors: Discord has raised multiple rounds of funding from venture capital firms. Some of the key investors include:
- Greylock Partners
- Benchmark Capital
- Tencent
- Index Ventures
- Greenoaks Capital
- Firstmark
- Technology Opportunity Partners …among others.
- Public or Private: As of September 2021, Discord remains a private company. This means it’s not publicly traded on stock exchanges, and its detailed ownership structure isn’t publicly disclosed in the same way it would be for public companies.
- Potential Acquisitions: In early 2021, rumors circulated that Microsoft was in talks to acquire Discord for a sum that could exceed $10 billion. However, Discord reportedly declined the offer, choosing to stay independent and potentially considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the future.
Why Ownership Matters
Knowing who owns a platform like Discord is essential for several reasons:
- Decision Making: Major stakeholders typically have a say in the company’s direction, features, and policies.
- Data Privacy: Users are often concerned about their data, especially when large corporations with varied interests are involved.
- Future Prospects: Ownership can influence potential mergers, acquisitions, or public offerings, which can, in turn, affect the platform’s features and user experience.
Conclusion
Discord’s growth from a gaming-centric communication tool to a broad community platform has naturally sparked interest in its ownership and future direction. While it remains an independent entity driven by its founders and backed by notable investors, the tech world’s dynamic nature means this could change in the future. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone looking for a reliable communication platform, understanding the forces and stakeholders behind Discord offers a clearer picture of its past trajectory and potential future.