- Key Points:
- Soham Parekh is an Indian software engineer with a strong academic background, holding a B.E. in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai and an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology.
- He has worked at notable tech startups, including Alan AI, Synthesia, Union.ai, and currently DynamoAl, showcasing expertise in fullstack development and backend optimization.
- In July 2025, Parekh was accused of working at multiple startups simultaneously without disclosure, sparking a debate about ethics and remote work practices in the tech industry.
- He admitted to the allegations, citing dire financial circumstances, which has led to mixed reactions some view him as a victim of necessity, while others criticize his actions as unethical.
- The controversy highlights broader issues in the tech industry, including hiring practices and the pressures faced by remote workers.
Who is Soham Parekh?
Soham Parekh is a talented software engineer from Mumbai, India, who has made significant strides in the tech industry, particularly in Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem. His career is marked by impressive academic achievements and professional roles at cutting-edge companies. However, his reputation has been complicated by a recent controversy involving allegations of working multiple full-time jobs simultaneously, which has ignited discussions about ethics, transparency, and the challenges of remote work.
Educational Background
Parekh’s journey began with a strong academic foundation in Mumbai, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai with an outstanding GPA of 9.83/10. He furthered his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, completing a Master’s degree in Computer Science in 2022, with a focus on advanced topics like Deep Learning and Distributed Computing.
Professional Achievements
Parekh’s career includes roles at prominent tech startups, where he has demonstrated expertise in software engineering. His work has involved optimizing systems, building microservices, and contributing to innovative AI-driven platforms. Currently, he serves as a Senior Software Engineer at DynamoAl, continuing to leverage his skills in a competitive field.
The Controversy
In July 2025, Parekh became the center of a high-profile controversy when accused of moonlighting at multiple startups without informing his employers. This incident, dubbed “Soham-gate,” raised questions about hiring practices and ethical conduct in the tech industry. Parekh has since acknowledged his actions, attributing them to financial pressures, which has led to a polarized response from the tech community.
Looking Forward
While the controversy has cast a shadow over his career, Parekh’s technical prowess remains undeniable. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of ambition, financial necessity, and ethical decision-making in the fast-paced world of technology.
From Mumbai to Silicon Valley: The Complex Journey of Soham Parekh, Software Engineer
Soham Parekh, a software engineer hailing from Mumbai, India, has emerged as a notable figure in the global tech landscape, not only for his technical expertise but also for a controversy that has sparked widespread debate about ethics, remote work, and the pressures faced by professionals in the tech industry. His journey from a high-achieving student in Mumbai to a skilled engineer working with Silicon Valley startups reflects a blend of ambition, talent, and the challenges of navigating a competitive and rapidly evolving field. This biography delves into Parekh’s life, education, career, and the recent events that have brought him into the spotlight, offering a balanced perspective on his contributions and the complexities surrounding his professional choices.
Early Life and Education: Building a Strong Foundation
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Soham Parekh grew up in a city known for its vibrant culture and burgeoning tech scene. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in technology and problem-solving, traits that would shape his academic and professional path. While specific details about his childhood are not widely documented, his academic achievements suggest a disciplined and focused individual with a passion for learning.
Parekh pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Mumbai, one of India’s premier institutions, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Engineering from 2016 to 2020. His academic performance was exceptional, graduating with a GPA of 9.83 out of 10. His coursework included foundational subjects such as Applied Mathematics, Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms, and Databases, as well as advanced topics like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Computing, and Distributed Computing. This rigorous education provided him with a robust foundation in computer science, preparing him for the challenges of the tech industry.
Seeking to further his expertise and gain international exposure, Parekh enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States, where he pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science from September 2020 to May 2022. His graduate studies focused on cutting-edge areas such as Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Advanced Operating Systems, Distributed Computing, and Computer Networks. This advanced training equipped him with the skills to tackle complex technical challenges and positioned him as a competitive candidate in the global tech market.
Professional Career: A Rising Star in Tech
Soham Parekh’s professional journey began with an Open Source Fellowship at Github, where he worked remotely from May 2020 to August 2020. This role allowed him to contribute to open-source projects, collaborate with developers worldwide, and gain practical experience in software development. His work at Github marked the beginning of a promising career, showcasing his ability to engage with real-world coding challenges early on.
In January 2021, Parekh joined Alan AI as a Founding Software Engineer, a role he held until December 2021. Alan AI, a company specializing in conversational AI, provided Parekh with the opportunity to build critical components of its platform from the ground up. His contributions included integrating a robust queue system using BullMQ for processing heavy background jobs, optimizing database queries to improve server query response times by 72%, and developing microservices to automate infrastructure management using technologies like Nestjs, Caddy proxy, Terraform, Google Cloudrun, and Google PubSub. His work at Alan AI demonstrated his ability to handle complex engineering tasks and deliver measurable results.
From December 2021 to December 2022, Parekh served as a Senior Fullstack Engineer at Synthesia, a company known for its AI-generated video content. In this role, he focused on optimizing APIs and reducing reporting endpoint response times from several minutes to under seven seconds through techniques like SQL query optimization and caching. His efforts enhanced the platform’s performance, contributing to Synthesia’s reputation for delivering innovative solutions.
In January 2023, Parekh transitioned to Union.ai as a Senior Fullstack Engineer, a position he held until January 2024. At Union.ai, he continued to build scalable and efficient software systems, leveraging his expertise in fullstack development and backend optimization. His work involved developing solutions that supported the company’s mission to streamline machine learning workflows.
Since January 2024, Parekh has been employed as a Senior Software Engineer (Contract) at DynamoAl, a company focused on AI-driven solutions. His current role involves advanced software engineering tasks, building on his extensive experience in fullstack development, system optimization, and modern technologies. His technical contributions have been recognized as significant, with his CV highlighting specific achievements such as leading efforts for cloud-based services and improving system performance.
Career Timeline | Role | Company | Duration | Key Contributions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Open Source Fellow | Github | May 2020 – Aug 2020 | Contributed to open-source projects, gaining practical coding experience. | |
Founding Software Engineer | Alan AI | Jan 2021 – Dec 2021 | Built queue systems, optimized database queries (72% faster response times), and developed microservices. | |
Senior Fullstack Engineer | Synthesia | Dec 2021 – Dec 2022 | Reduced API endpoint response times to under 7 seconds using Nestjs and SQL optimization. | |
Senior Fullstack Engineer | Union.ai | Jan 2023 – Jan 2024 | Developed scalable software systems for machine learning workflows. | |
Senior Software Engineer (Contract) | DynamoAl | Jan 2024 – Present | Contributes to AI-driven solutions with advanced software engineering expertise. |
The Controversy: “Soham-gate” and Its Impact
In July 2025, Soham Parekh became the focal point of a high-profile controversy when Suhail Doshi, the founder of Playground AI and former CEO of Mixpanel, accused him on social media of working at multiple startups simultaneously without disclosing his commitments. Doshi’s post on X, which garnered over 20 million views, alleged that Parekh had been “preying on YC companies and more,” referring to startups backed by the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator. Doshi claimed that Parekh had briefly joined Playground AI in 2024 but was fired within a week after his dual employment was discovered. He also shared what he alleged was Parekh’s CV, questioning its authenticity and suggesting that “90%” of it was likely fabricated.
The accusation triggered a wave of responses from other startup founders, who shared similar experiences. Nicolai Ouporov, co-founder of Fleet AI, stated that Parekh had worked at more than four startups simultaneously for years. Justin Harvey, co-founder of AIVideo, noted that Parekh had nearly been hired by his company, praising his interview performance but condemning his lack of transparency. Adish Jain, another startup founder, confirmed that Parekh had “wasted our time for a month” despite excelling in interviews. The incident, dubbed “Soham-gate” by the tech community, sparked widespread discussions on platforms like X, LinkedIn, and startup forums, with some turning the controversy into a meme-fueled phenomenon.
Parekh broke his silence in an interview with TBPN, admitting to the allegations and providing context for his actions. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done. That’s not something I endorse either. But no one really likes to work 140 hours a week. I had to do it out of necessity. I was in extremely dire financial circumstances,” he stated. He explained that his introverted nature and reluctance to share personal struggles led him to take on multiple jobs to alleviate his financial situation quickly. Parekh also expressed concern about his career, reportedly reaching out to Doshi to ask, “Have I completely sabotaged my career? What can I do to improve my situation?” His candid admission added a human dimension to the controversy, highlighting the pressures faced by tech professionals, particularly those working remotely across borders.
A Polarized Response: Hero, Villain, or Victim?
The tech community’s response to Parekh’s actions has been deeply divided. Some view him as a folk hero, a talented engineer who outsmarted well-funded startups under challenging personal circumstances. Supporters argue that his ability to pass rigorous interviews at multiple companies demonstrates exceptional skill, and they point to systemic issues like underpayment and burnout in the tech industry as contributing factors. Others, however, see his actions as a serious breach of trust, accusing him of deceiving employers and potentially taking opportunities away from others. Critics argue that his behavior undermines the integrity of the startup ecosystem, particularly for early-stage companies that rely on dedicated team members.
The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about remote work culture, hiring practices, and the need for transparency in the tech industry. The rise of remote-first companies has made it easier for individuals to juggle multiple roles, but it has also exposed vulnerabilities in background checks and employee monitoring. Some have suggested that Parekh’s case highlights the need for better vetting processes, while others defend his right to seek financial stability, questioning why moonlighting is inherently wrong if the work is completed satisfactorily.
Technical Expertise and Achievements
Despite the controversy, Parekh’s technical skills remain a focal point of his story. His CV, as reported by Hindustan Times, highlights significant achievements, such as:
- Alan AI: Led the development of Alan Studio, cloud-based service allowing users to train and test AI capabilities in under 30 seconds.
- Synthesia: Rewrote APIs using Nestjs, optimized SQL queries, and implemented caching to reduce reporting endpoint response times from minutes to seconds.
- General Expertise: Proficient in technologies like BullMQ, Terraform, Google Cloudrun, Google PubSub, and Caddy proxy, with a focus on building scalable microservices and optimizing system performance.
His educational background in advanced computer science topics, combined with his practical experience, positions him as a highly capable engineer. Many in the tech community have acknowledged his talent, with some suggesting that he could channel his skills into founding his own startup or securing a role that aligns with his abilities and ethical standards.
Looking Forward: A Path to Redemption?
As the dust settles on “Soham-gate,” the question remains: what lies ahead for Soham Parekh? His technical prowess and ability to navigate competitive hiring processes are undeniable, but the controversy has undoubtedly impacted his professional reputation. His outreach to Suhail Doshi for career advice suggests a desire to move forward and learn from his mistakes. Some in the tech community have even expressed interest in hiring him, recognizing his potential despite the ethical missteps.
Parekh’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of the tech industry and the ethical dilemmas that can arise in a remote-first world. It also underscores the importance of transparency, communication, and support systems for professionals facing financial or personal challenges. As India’s tech talent continues to make waves globally, Parekh’s journey highlights both the opportunities and the pitfalls of working in a highly competitive and interconnected industry.
Conclusion: A Tale of Talent and Turbulence
Soham Parekh’s journey from a bright student in Mumbai to a skilled software engineer in Silicon Valley is a testament to his talent and ambition. His contributions to companies like Alan AI, Synthesia, Union.ai, and DynamoAl demonstrate his ability to tackle complex technical challenges and deliver results. However, the controversy surrounding his simultaneous employment at multiple startups has cast a shadow over his achievements, sparking a broader conversation about ethics, remote work, and the human side of the tech industry.
As Parekh navigates the fallout from this incident, his story serves as a reminder of the fine line between ambition and ethical conduct. Whether he emerges as a cautionary example or a redeemed talent, his journey underscores the complexities of the modern tech landscape and the need for empathy, transparency, and accountability in professional life.