Imagine getting a text at 2:29 AM from a colleague claiming a drone was shot down just 10 minutes from their house, only to later find out they might have been spinning a tale to dodge work scrutiny.
That’s exactly what happened to Arkadiy Telegin, founder of Leaping AI, with Indian software engineer Soham Parekh. This jaw-dropping story has set Silicon Valley ablaze, turning Parekh into an overnight internet sensation.
But who is he, and how did he pull off one of the boldest moonlighting schemes in tech history? Let’s dive into the ‘Soham-gate’ saga that’s got everyone talking.
Who Is Soham Parekh?
Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer with a bachelor’s from the University of Mumbai and a master’s from Georgia Institute of Technology, has worked at notable startups like Dynamo AI, Union AI, Synthesia, and Alan AI.
His resume screams talent, but it’s now under scrutiny.
Why? Because multiple US startup founders, including Suhail Doshi of Mixpanel and Playground AI, have accused him of working for 3-4 startups simultaneously without telling them—a practice known as moonlighting gone rogue.
- Education: Bachelor’s from University of Mumbai, Master’s in Computer Science from Georgia Tech.
- Work History: Roles at Dynamo AI, Union AI, Synthesia, Alan AI, and more.
- Accusation: Secretly juggling multiple full-time jobs, misleading employers about his availability.
The Scandal Unfolds: Operation Sindoor and Guilt-Trip Texts
The drama kicked off when Suhail Doshi took to X, warning startups about Parekh’s alleged deception. He claimed Parekh was “preying on Y Combinator companies,” getting hired and then fired within a week at Mixpanel for moonlighting.
Other founders, like Matthew Parkhurst of Antimetal and Timothy Wang of Ponder AI, echoed similar stories, noting Parekh’s intelligence but deceptive practices.
The most shocking revelation came from Arkadiy Telegin of Leaping AI. During India-Pakistan tensions dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” Parekh allegedly sent texts claiming a drone was shot down near his Mumbai home, implying he was in a conflict zone.
In reality, he was safely in Mumbai, possibly using the story to guilt-trip Telegin into overlooking delayed work. The texts, shared on X, read: “Drone shot down 10 minutes away,” followed by, “Just some damage at a building around the house.”
“Soham used to guilt-trip me for being slow on PRs when the India-Pakistan thing was going on, all while he was in Mumbai.” — Arkadiy Telegin on X
The Meme Storm and Social Media Frenzy
The internet didn’t hold back. “Soham Parekh” trended as a top keyword in India, with X users churning out memes faster than you can say “multitasking.”
Even LinkedIn’s CEO joined the meme-fest, highlighting the absurdity of a remote worker fooling high-profile startups. The saga, dubbed “Soham-gate,” became a viral spectacle, with netizens joking about Parekh’s juggling skills.
What’s your take on moonlighting in tech?
- It’s unethical if not disclosed to employers.
- It’s fine if the work gets done well.
- Depends on the situation.
Soham’s Response: Remorse or Redemption?
After the backlash, Parekh broke his silence, reaching out to Doshi privately. In a message shared by Doshi, Parekh asked, “Have I completely sabotaged my career?
What can I do to improve my situation?” He expressed a desire to “come clean,” hinting at remorse. But the plot thickened when Conor Brennan-Burke, founder of HyperSpell, offered him a job, believing Parekh had “learned his lesson.”
Burke’s email read: “Hi Soham, saw that you’ve worked with quite a few successful startups and heard you might be on the market.” This move sparked debate—does Parekh deserve a second chance?
The Gist of ‘Soham-gate’
Here’s what you need to know:
- Who: Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer.
- What: Accused of working at 3-4 US startups simultaneously without disclosure.
- How: Impressed in interviews but misled employers, even faking a crisis during Operation Sindoor.
- Impact: Fired by multiple startups, sparked a meme storm, and trended online.
- Now: Expressed remorse, got a new job offer from HyperSpell’s founder.
- Takeaway: Raises questions about trust and ethics in remote work.
Lessons for Startups and Remote Workers
The Soham Parekh saga isn’t just juicy gossip—it’s a wake-up call. For startups, especially in India’s booming tech scene, it highlights the need for better vetting in remote hiring.
For workers, it’s a reminder that transparency is non-negotiable. Here’s what we can learn:
- For Employers: Verify resumes thoroughly and monitor remote work patterns.
- For Employees: Disclose side gigs to avoid breaching trust. Honesty builds long-term credibility.
- For the Industry: Remote work offers flexibility but demands clear ethical boundaries.
Why This Matters to You
If you’re a tech enthusiast or professional in India, this story hits close to home. Remote work is booming, but so are the risks of mistrust.
The ‘Soham-gate’ saga shows how one person’s actions can ripple across the global tech world, affecting perceptions of Indian talent. It’s a chance to reflect on how we balance ambition with integrity.
What do you think? Should Parekh get a fresh start, or has he burned too many bridges? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our related article on remote work trends for more insights.