# Discourse

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/discourse

- Industry: Internet
- Headquarters: El Cerrito, US
- Website: www.discourse.org
- Latest round: Seed (Nov 1, 2012)
- Investors on record: 1

## About

Discourse is a platform that enhances online community engagement, allowing users to create and manage discussions seamlessly. It focuses on open-source solutions to foster collaboration and teamwork across various sectors.Founded by Robbie Goldfarb, Robin Ward, and Sam Saffron, Discourse is based in El Cerrito, US, and specializes in providing a community engagement platform. The company has not undergone significant strategy pivots and operates independently without subsidiaries. Sarah Hawk currently serves as the CEO. In November 2012, Discourse received Seed financing from SV Angel, marking its initial funding milestone.Discourse offers a robust platform designed to facilitate online community engagement, enabling users to build and manage forums that support open discussions, teamwork, and collaboration. The core product, Discourse Forum™, is an open-source software solution that empowers users to create customized community spaces, equipped with powerful moderation tools, integrated chat capabilities, and various features tailored for diverse use cases, such as product feedback tracking and creative sharing. Discourse serves a wide range of customers including enterprises, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, with over 22,000 communities currently utilizing the platform globally. The software has been widely adopted across markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating its versatility and appeal to various community-driven initiatives.Discourse generates revenue primarily through managed hosting services, which are offered at a starting price of USD 20 per month, allowing clients to access premium features and support. The company operates on a subscription-based model, providing clients with ongoing access to its services in exchange for recurring payments. Additionally, Discourse offers enterprise-level solutions that cater to larger organizations seeking tailored community management tools. The transactions typically involve direct agreements between Discourse and its clients, encompassing both individual and business-to-business interactions. Key offerings include Discourse Forum™, which serves as a flagship product, focusing on delivering reliable, user-friendly community engagement solutions without hidden fees or data restrictions.Looking ahead, Discourse aims to expand its product offerings and enhance its platform capabilities. The company is actively designing new features to improve user experience, with planned updates set to roll out in 2023. Discourse is also targeting expansion into additional markets in Europe and Asia by 2024 to reach a broader audience. The Seed financing received in November 2012 from SV Angel is instrumental in funding these growth initiatives, enabling the company to invest in product development and market outreach.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, Nov 1, 2012 — SV Angel

## Investors

- SV Angel (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sv-angel) — Seed