In the ever-evolving landscape of Silicon Valley, few stories have captured the collective imagination as profoundly as that of Soham Parekh. This Indian software engineer has become the epicenter of a heated debate, challenging the very fabric of employment ethics in the tech industry.
The Unveiling of a Multi-Job Engineer
The saga began when Suhail Doshi, co-founder of Mixpanel and CEO of Playground AI, took to social media to issue a stark warning. He alleged that Parekh was simultaneously employed by multiple startups, including those backed by Y Combinator, without disclosing his overlapping commitments. Doshi’s post read:
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. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/soham-parekh-indian-techie-scam-startups-us-ceos-warning-125070300214_1.html?utm_source=openai))
This revelation sent shockwaves through the tech community, prompting other founders to share similar experiences. Matthew Parkhurst, CEO of Antimetal, recounted:
Funnily enough, Soham was our first engineering hire in 2022. Really smart and likable; enjoyed working with him. We realized pretty quickly that he was working at multiple companies and let him go. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/silicon-valley-fumes-as-indian-techie-soham-parekh-works-multiple-founders/articleshow/122220898.cms?utm_source=openai))
Parekh’s Perspective: A Tale of Necessity
In response to the mounting allegations, Parekh appeared on the Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN) to share his side of the story. He admitted to holding multiple jobs simultaneously since 2022, attributing his actions to financial hardship. Parekh stated:
I did what I had to do to get out of a tough situation. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/soham-parekh-indian-techie-moonlighting-us-startups-scam-125070400315_1.html?utm_source=openai))
He further elaborated on his grueling schedule, claiming to work 140 hours a week, which equates to 20 hours a day, seven days a week. This admission raised concerns about the sustainability and health implications of such a workload.
The Ethical Quandary: Moonlighting in the Tech Industry
Parekh’s actions have reignited discussions about moonlighting—holding multiple jobs without employer consent. While some view his actions as a necessary means of survival, others see them as a breach of trust and professional ethics. The tech industry, known for its demanding work culture, now faces questions about employee well-being and the pressures that drive individuals to such extremes.
The Aftermath: Career Implications and Industry Reflection
Following the public outcry, Parekh announced his new role at Darwin Studios, a startup focusing on AI video remixing. However, both he and the company’s CEO, Sanjit Juneja, quickly deleted their respective announcements, leaving the status of this employment unclear. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/03/who-is-soham-parekh-the-serial-moonlighter-silicon-valley-startups-cant-stop-hiring/?utm_source=openai))
This incident has prompted a broader reflection within the tech community. It underscores the need for transparent communication between employers and employees and highlights the potential pitfalls of the industry’s high-pressure environment.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change?
The Soham Parekh controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in the modern tech workplace. It challenges companies to reassess their hiring practices, employee support systems, and the ethical standards they uphold. As the industry continues to evolve, this incident may well be a catalyst for much-needed change, fostering a more transparent and supportive work environment for all.
