Tech Scandal: Engineer Accused of Multi-Startup Moonlighting Sparks Debate on Ethics and Second Chances
July 3, 2025
In a surprising twist, Conor Brennan-Burke, founder of AI startup HyperSpell, offered Parekh a new job, advocating for second chances despite the surrounding controversy.
Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer, has stirred controversy in the tech community after being accused of simultaneously working at multiple startups and misleading them, prompting a public warning from former Mixpanel CEO Suhail Doshi.
Doshi criticized Parekh's résumé as '90 percent fake,' highlighting companies like Dynamo AI, Union AI, and Synthesia that he allegedly misrepresented.
In a candid interview, Parekh admitted to juggling several jobs out of financial necessity, expressing remorse for his actions.
Social media reactions to the scandal have been mixed, with some users expressing admiration for Parekh's ability to navigate the challenges of remote work and underpayment.
Critics have pointed out that the informal hiring practices of many startups may have contributed to Parekh's ability to secure multiple positions without adequate vetting.
This incident has ignited discussions about the ethics of moonlighting and the challenges of verifying employment history in a remote work environment.
He refrained from addressing the allegations of false information on his résumé, instead focusing on his motivations and regrets.
The situation has sparked renewed discussions about 'overemployment,' where individuals manage multiple jobs simultaneously, often employing tactics to avoid detection.
Despite his impressive qualifications, including degrees from the University of Mumbai and Georgia Tech, founders reported that Parekh's work often did not translate into consistent output.
Doshi's post about Parekh has gone viral, garnering over 20 million views and reflecting a divided opinion among founders and investors regarding the implications of his actions.
Parekh's technical expertise includes significant contributions to various projects, showcasing skills in machine learning and cloud infrastructure, despite the integrity concerns raised.
Summary based on 22 sources
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Sources

TechCrunch • Jul 3, 2025
Who is Soham Parekh, the serial moonlighter Silicon Valley startups can’t stop hiring?
TechCrunch • Jul 3, 2025
Everyone in tech has an opinion about Soham Parekh
