Discord says nope to Microsoft and aims at IPO

A month ago, news hit the wire about Microsoft pursuing Discord. Word went around that the software giant offered Discord $10 billion for a takeover. Discord is a very popular IRC-style instant messaging service, primarily used for, but not limited to, gaming communities.

Discord ends negotiations with Microsoft

These plans come to an end as Discord has reportedly ceased talks with Microsoft. WSJ reports Discord wants to remain independent and is looking at an IPO to raise money.

Microsoft had been in advanced talks to acquire Discord for at least $10 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported last month. Those talks ended without a deal, though it is possible they could be rekindled in the future, some of the people said.

Microsoft, whose market value Tuesday stood at nearly $2 trillion, has been on the hunt for acquisitions that would help it reach more consumers. Last summer, it explored a bid to purchase parts of the video-sharing app TikTok amid a high-profile geopolitical standoff prompted by the Trump administration.

According to WSJ, Discord was in talks with three companies about a potential deal. None of these talks resulted in success. Meanwhile, Discord has hired Tomasz Marcinowski as the firm's new CFO. Presumably, one of Marcinowski's tasks will be to get the firm ready for a public offering.