Soham Parekh Admits to Moonlighting Across Multiple Startups, Citing 140-Hour Work Weeks and Financial Duress

Indian software engineer Soham Parekh has sparked a widespread debate within Silicon Valley, admitting to simultaneously working for multiple startups. This controversy escalated following his interview on the Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN), where he addressed allegations of deception and contradictions regarding his professional background and financial circumstances.

Initial accusations, led by X user 'Deedy' and amplified by founders like Suhail Doshi, highlighted significant inconsistencies. 'Deedy' stated, > 'claims he “was supposed to grad school there [in the US] but because of different financial circumstances I couldn’t do that” but his resume shows GeorgiaTech MS ‘22.' Further claims included Parekh citing 'necessity' for finances while allegedly prioritizing 'lower pay higher equity' offers, and employers reporting instances of him using the India-Pakistan conflict as an excuse.

During the TBPN interview, Parekh acknowledged working multiple jobs since 2022, attributing his actions to 'dire financial circumstances.' He denied using junior developers or AI tools, asserting, 'I’ve written every single inch of the code.' Parekh described himself as a 'serial non-sleeper,' claiming to work 140-hour weeks to meet demands, emphasizing his passion for building over pure financial gain.

The revelations sparked fervent discussion across the tech industry, with #SohamGate trending and some dubbing him the 'Anna Delvey of Silicon Valley.' While founders confirmed dismissing Parekh due to moonlighting, many acknowledged his exceptional technical abilities. The saga has prompted a broader conversation about remote work ethics and trust in early-stage hiring, dividing opinions.

Despite the controversy, Parekh announced his exclusive commitment to Darwin Studios, an AI video remixing startup, as a founding engineer. He expressed a desire to rebuild trust and focus solely on this new role. 'I am really excited about what I’m going to be a part of next,' Parekh stated, indicating his intention to demonstrate his commitment through actions, aiming for a story of redemption and future transparency.