Who owns Discord? : A Comprehensive Overview
In the world of online gaming, effective communication is key to success. Recognizing this need, Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy founded Discord, a groundbreaking communication platform that has revolutionized the gaming industry.
With its innovative features and user-friendly design, Discord has become the go-to platform for gamers, businesses, communities, and individuals alike.
The Birth of Discord
The story of Discord begins with the entrepreneurial journeys of its co-founders, Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.
Prior to creating Discord, Citron had founded OpenFeint, a social gaming platform for mobile games, which he later sold to Japanese mobile network GREE for a staggering $104 million in 2011.
Armed with the funds from this sale, Citron went on to establish Hammer & Chisel, a game development studio, in 2012.
Meanwhile, Vishnevskiy founded Guildwork, another social gaming platform that facilitated group activities within MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games), such as World of Warcraft.
It was during this time that Citron and Vishnevskiy recognized the need for a better communication tool for gamers, particularly in games like Final Fantasy XIV and League of Legends, where existing voice-over IP (VoIP) software proved to be inadequate.
Motivated by this realization, Citron and Vishnevskiy set out to develop a chat service that would prioritize user friendliness and have a minimal impact on performance.
After extensive development and refinement, Discord was born.
Read more: Can Zelle Refund Money if Your Scammed?
The Features of Discord
Discord offers a wide range of features that cater to the needs of gamers and other users. Whether it’s voice calls, video calls, text messaging, or media and file sharing, Discord provides a seamless and intuitive platform for communication.
Users can create and join servers, which are virtual communities, and engage in discussions within channels.
The platform is accessible on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web browsers, making it convenient for users to connect and communicate from their preferred gadgets.
The Success of Discord
Since its launch in 2015, Discord has experienced phenomenal growth and success. As of 2021, the platform boasts over 350 million registered users, with more than 150 million active users on a monthly basis.
While Discord initially gained popularity among gamers, its appeal has expanded to include businesses, communities, and individuals from various backgrounds.
Read more: Does Zelle Report to the IRS?
Discord’s Ownership Structure
As a privately held company, Discord Inc. does not publicly disclose information about its ownership structure.
However, by examining the company’s key personnel and successful funding rounds, we can gain some insights into its ownership.
Jason Citron, the co-founder, and CEO of Discord, is likely to be a major owner of the company. His entrepreneurial background and expertise in the gaming industry have played a pivotal role in Discord’s success.
Stanislav Vishnevskiy, the co-founder and CTO, also holds a significant stake in the company.
Discord has attracted investments from prominent companies and investors across multiple funding rounds.
Some of the notable investors include Tencent, Sony, Dragoneer Investment Group, Index Ventures, Accel, Fidelity Investments, and Franklin Templeton.
These investments have contributed to Discord’s growth and indicate the confidence and support of industry leaders.
Funding Rounds and Valuation
Discord’s ability to secure substantial funding has been instrumental in its development and expansion. The company’s latest funding round in 2022 valued Discord at over $15 billion, a testament to its potential and market value.
The early funding rounds for Discord were crucial in laying the foundation for the platform’s growth. Investors such as Accel, TWI, and IDG recognized the potential of Discord and provided seed funding to support its development.
Tencent and Benchmark Capital later joined as investors, further fueling Discord’s growth.
In 2016, WarnerMedia made a significant investment of $20 million in Discord.
This investment demonstrated the platform’s growing interest and potential to disrupt the gaming communication landscape.
Discord’s Series F and Series G funding rounds in 2018 showcased the platform’s continued growth and potential. Greenoaks Capital led a $150 million Series F round, with participation from Tencent, Firstmark, IVP, Index Ventures, and Technology Opportunity Partners.
These investments allowed Discord to enhance its features further and expand its user base.
The Series H funding round in 2021 marked a significant milestone for Discord.
Dragoneer Investment Group led the round to raise $500 million and attracted investments from Baillie Gifford, Coatue Management, Fidelity Investments, and Franklin Templeton.
This funding round validated Discord’s market value and provided the resources needed for future growth and innovation.
The Future of Discord
Discord is well-positioned for a successful future with its ever-growing user base and continuous innovation. The platform’s focus on user experience, community building, and reliable communication has made it a preferred choice for gamers and users.
Discord’s potential IPO has been a subject of speculation, indicating the company’s aspirations for further growth and expansion. As Discord continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its users, it is poised to remain at the forefront of the gaming and communication industry.
Conclusion
Discord has revolutionized the way gamers and other users communicate and collaborate online. Founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord has grown from a simple chat service into a robust platform with millions of registered users worldwide.
Discord has solidified its position as a leading communication platform through successful funding rounds and strategic investments.
With its user-friendly design, innovative features, and commitment to user satisfaction, Discord continues to shape the future of online communication.
As Discord looks toward the future, its commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable communication experience remains unwavering.
Whether gaming, business, or community building, Discord is the go-to platform for connecting, collaborating, and creating unforgettable experiences.