In a shocking revelation that has set the tech world abuzz, Indian software engineer Soham Parekh has been accused of moonlighting at multiple US startups simultaneously, sparking a viral controversy dubbed “Soham-gate.” The allegations, first brought to light by Suhail Doshi, co-founder of Mixpanel and founder of Playground AI, have ignited heated debates across Silicon Valley and social media platforms like X, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Here’s everything you need to know about the Soham Parekh scandal, his alleged tactics, and the broader implications for the tech industry.

Who is Soham Parekh?

Soham Parekh, an Indian tech professional with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mumbai and a master’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology, has become an overnight sensation—not for innovation, but for allegedly deceiving multiple startups. According to his resume, Parekh has held technical roles at companies like Dynamo AI, Union AI, Synthesia, and Alan AI. However, Doshi claims that “probably 90%” of the credentials listed are fake, with many links no longer functional.

The Allegations: Moonlighting and Deception

The controversy erupted on July 2, 2025, when Doshi posted a public service announcement (PSA) on X, warning: “PSA: there’s a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3-4 startups at the same time. He’s been preying on YC companies and more. Beware.” Doshi revealed that Parekh was fired from Playground AI within his first week after his deceptive practices were uncovered. Despite being warned to stop, Parekh allegedly continued to secure jobs at other startups, including Lindy, Fleet AI, and Antimetal.

At least five US-based CEOs have since come forward, accusing Parekh of scamming their companies by juggling multiple full-time roles without disclosure. Founders praised his interview skills, with Flo Crivello of Lindy noting that Parekh “did incredibly well” in technical interviews, while Nicolai Ouporov of Fleet AI said he had been “doing this for years.”

How Did Soham Parekh Pull It Off?

Parekh’s alleged modus operandi involved charming recruiters with polished emails, excelling in interviews, and exploiting the flexibility of remote work. Reports suggest he used tactics like “mouse jigglers” to simulate activity, kept cameras off during meetings, and scheduled “focus time” to avoid live check-ins. Some startups, like Atrium, were initially impressed by Parekh’s claimed achievements, including “winning 14 hackathons” and “$34.2M in bug bounties,” only to later discover inconsistencies.

One particularly bizarre anecdote came from Arkadiy Telegin of Leaping AI, who shared a screenshot of a conversation where Parekh claimed a drone was shot down near his house during “India-Pakistan tensions,” possibly to deflect scrutiny about his availability.

Social Media Erupts: Memes and Mixed Reactions

The scandal has fueled a meme storm across X, Reddit, and LinkedIn, with Parekh being dubbed a “generational talent” for his ability to juggle multiple jobs undetected. Some users on X hailed him as a “corporate majdoor who cracked the matrix,” while others criticized his ethics, nicknaming him “The Wolf of YC Street.” Even LinkedIn CEO Reid Hoffman joined the meme-fest, engaging with posts about Parekh’s antics.

Posts on X reflect divided sentiments. One user joked, “Today’s headline: Soham Parekh has deceived and ripped off multiple startups. Tomorrow’s headline: Soham Parekh has been hired as Partner at a16z.” Another account, @realsohamparekh, claiming to be Parekh, posted that he’s “pissed” and has “something to prove,” announcing a new role as a founding engineer at an undisclosed startup.

Parekh Breaks Silence: A Redemption Arc?

In a private exchange with Doshi, Parekh reportedly expressed remorse, asking, “Have I completely sabotaged my career? What can I do to improve my situation? I am also happy to come clean.” While he has not issued a formal public statement, his alleged X account suggests he’s attempting to move forward, claiming he was “rejected by pretty much everyone in tech” before landing a new role.

The Bigger Picture: Remote Work and Hiring Ethics

The Soham Parekh saga has sparked broader discussions about the vulnerabilities of remote work and the startup hiring ecosystem. Tech influencer Deedy Das commented on X, “There are 1000s of Soham Parekhs we don’t know about,” suggesting that Parekh is “just the tip of the iceberg” in a growing trend of “overemployment.” The controversy highlights loopholes in background checks, the reliance on remote work tools, and the need for greater transparency in hiring.

As startups tighten their hiring processes, the case serves as a cautionary tale about trust and integrity in the employer-employee relationship. It also raises questions about the ethics of moonlighting versus transparent entrepreneurship, with some arguing that Parekh’s actions blur the line between hustle and deception.

What’s Next for Soham Parekh?

As of July 3, 2025, the “Soham-gate” saga continues to unfold, with netizens eagerly awaiting Parekh’s next move. Will he come clean and rebuild his reputation, or will he remain a polarizing figure in the tech world? One thing is certain: his story has left an indelible mark on the startup ecosystem, prompting founders and recruiters to rethink how they vet talent in the age of remote work.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Soham Parekh controversy and other trending tech news. Follow us for real-time insights on X and LinkedIn!