A growing controversy is unfolding in Silicon Valley involving Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer who has allegedly held multiple full-time jobs at different startups without informing any of his employers. The case has sent shockwaves across the startup ecosystem, especially among early-stage founders who believed they had hired a promising and committed candidate. Now, they are left grappling with what they see as deception, resume fabrication, and a major breach of trust in the age of remote work.
Soham Parekh, who reportedly holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Mumbai and a master’s degree in computer science from Georgia Tech, built a near-perfect image on paper. His resume boasted a stellar GPA, relevant technical skills, and impressive educational credentials—making him appear like an ideal hire for many top-tier, venture-backed startups, particularly those associated with renowned startup accelerators.
What initially appeared to be a success story is now being scrutinized as details emerge suggesting that Parekh may have been simultaneously employed at three or even four different startups, all while giving the impression of being a dedicated full-time contributor at each. Founders of these companies were caught off guard, with some taking to professional networks to share screenshots of Parekh's applications, resumes, and activity that allegedly point to deceptive behavior.
The accusations against Parekh have opened up a broader debate on moonlighting in the tech industry. While moonlighting—working multiple jobs without an employer’s knowledge—is not entirely new, the rise of remote work and flexible employment arrangements has made it easier for individuals to hide multiple active engagements. In Parekh’s case, the extent of the multitasking and the level of deception are what set this incident apart, leading many in the startup world to reevaluate hiring practices and employee monitoring in distributed teams.
Critics argue that such behavior undermines the trust between employers and employees, especially in early-stage startups where every team member is expected to pull significant weight. Startups often rely heavily on a small number of team members, especially in technical roles, and any lack of dedication or transparency can significantly derail progress.
Soham Parekh’s academic background and resume have also come under scrutiny. Some founders have pointed out inconsistencies in the timeline and questioned the authenticity of his listed achievements. While official confirmations on the validity of his degrees and experience have not yet been made public, the growing skepticism around his profile is damaging enough to put his professional reputation at serious risk.
What makes this case particularly controversial is how it exposes a loophole in remote hiring practices. The global shift to remote work, especially in the tech industry, has opened up new possibilities and freedoms for both employers and employees. However, it has also made it more challenging to verify engagement levels and job exclusivity, especially when hiring across time zones and cultures.
While some on social media have criticized Parekh's actions as unethical and harmful to the spirit of collaboration in startups, others have raised questions about whether employers are doing enough to protect themselves from such risks. Some users suggest better background verification processes, probation periods, and tracking systems to ensure accountability.
Others point to the broader issue of job insecurity and rising living costs as contributing factors that might push individuals toward moonlighting. However, most industry leaders agree that holding multiple full-time positions without disclosure is an abuse of trust and contractual obligations.
As of now, there has been no official legal action reported against Parekh, but the reputational damage is significant. Founders involved in the case are reportedly revisiting hiring protocols and discussing safeguards to prevent similar incidents. There is also speculation that some companies may seek financial restitution or legal redress, depending on the terms of employment and damages incurred.
The incident serves as a wake-up call for startups and tech companies across the world to strengthen HR processes and employee engagement mechanisms in the remote-first era. It also serves as a cautionary tale for job seekers: while remote work opens many doors, transparency and integrity remain non-negotiable in building a sustainable and respected career.
The Soham Parekh scandal may fade over time, but its impact on how startups view trust, resumes, and remote hires is likely to persist, shaping hiring standards and expectations in the years to come.
