The tech world is buzzing with the shocking tale of Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer accused of juggling multiple U.S. startup jobs simultaneously, deceiving employers, and allegedly earning up to $800,000 annually through what’s now dubbed “Soham-gate.” This scandal, exposed by Playground AI founder Suhail Doshi on July 2, 2025, has sparked debates about remote work ethics and hiring vulnerabilities, while highlighting the need for robust internship programs like those offered by YTC Ventures.
As we unpack Parekh’s alleged deception, his CV, and the financial impact, we invite investors and students to join YTC Ventures in fostering transparency and innovation in India’s top tech hubs—Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and beyond.
Who Is Soham Parekh?
Soham Parekh, a software engineer reportedly based in India, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai (2020) and a Master’s in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology (2022).
His CV lists impressive roles, including:
- Senior Software Engineer (Contract), Dynamo AI (Jan 2024–present)
- Senior Fullstack Engineer, Union.ai (Jan 2023–Jan 2024)
- Senior Fullstack Engineer, Synthesia (Dec 2021–Dec 2022)
- Founding Software Engineer, Alan AI (Jan 2021–Dec 2021)
- Open Source Fellow, GitHub (May 2020–Aug 2020)
Parekh’s resume also claims stints at Antimetal, Fleet AI, and Mosaic, portraying him as a skilled engineer with expertise in scaling micro-services and working with lean teams. However, startup founders, including Doshi, allege that up to 90% of his CV is fabricated, with broken portfolio links and unverifiable claims.
How Did Soham Parekh Fool U.S. Startups?
Parekh’s alleged scam involved securing full-time roles at 3–6 U.S. startups simultaneously, many backed by Y Combinator, without disclosing his overlapping commitments. His tactics included:
- Acing Interviews: Founders like Flo Crivello of Lindy AI noted Parekh’s exceptional interview skills, describing him as “cracked” and charismatic.
- Misleading Credentials: He allegedly used a US shipping address to receive company laptops, despite working from India, and provided vague excuses like “time zone issues” or “personal obligations” to dodge meetings.
- Ghost Work: Parekh reportedly delivered minimal work, using automation tools or outsourcing tasks to appear active, while some claim he managed a team of interns to handle his workload.
- Charming Outreach: His emails, starting with “TL;DR: I love everything about…” and praising companies like Happenstance and ComfyUI, won over hiring managers.
Startups like Playground AI, Antimetal, Fleet AI, Lindy, and Mosaic fired Parekh after discovering his multi-job scheme, often within weeks. Matthew Parkhurst of Antimetal called him “smart and likable” but noted his quick dismissal in 2022 for moonlighting
Financial Impact of the Scam
Estimates suggest Parekh earned over $800,000 annually (approximately Rs. 7 crore) by juggling 5–6 jobs, with daily earnings exceeding Rs. 2 lakh. This figure accounts for salaries from startups like Dynamo AI, Synthesia, and Union.ai, where senior engineer roles typically pay $150,000–$200,000 per year.
The financial toll on startups included wasted resources, delayed projects, and damaged trust, particularly for early-stage firms reliant on small teams. While exact losses are undisclosed, the collective impact across 10+ startups could reach millions, factoring in salaries, equipment, and operational disruptions
Parekh’s Response and the Aftermath
After Doshi’s viral X post, Parekh reportedly expressed remorse privately, asking, “Have I completely sabotaged my career? What can I do to improve my situation? I am also happy to come clean.” An X account, @realsohamparekh claimed he signed an exclusive deal as a founding engineer at a video AI startup, stating, “I’ve been isolated, written off, and shut out… but building is the only thing I’ve ever truly known.” However, his public silence and unverified account leave questions unanswered, fueling memes and debates about remote work ethics, with some calling him “The Wolf of YC Street.”
Why Invest in YTC Ventures’ Internship Program?
The Soham Parekh saga underscores the need for transparent, well-vetted talent pipelines in tech. YTC Ventures’ internship program, based in India’s innovation hubs—Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai—offers a solution. Here’s how investors and students can benefit:
- For Investors: Fund our program to train ethical, skilled engineers, addressing the $55 billion Indian tech market’s demand for reliable talent. Investments of $1–5 million can support AI-driven vetting platforms, coding bootcamps, and startup collaborations, yielding high ROI through talent placement and innovation.
- For Students: Join YTC Ventures’ internships to gain hands-on experience with top startups, mentorship from industry leaders, and a pathway to full-time roles. Unlike Parekh’s alleged tactics, our program emphasizes integrity and skill-building in AI, VFX, and software development.
Investments of $1–5 million can support AI-driven vetting platforms,
gain hands-on experience with top startups, mentorship from industry leaders, and a pathway to full-time roles.
Call to Action: Investors, partner with YTC Ventures to build a trusted tech ecosystem. Students, apply for our internships to launch your career with integrity. Visit www.ytcventures.com to invest, enroll, or learn more about opportunities in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and beyond. Let’s prevent the next “Soham-gate” together!
A Lesson for the Tech World
Soham Parekh’s story, while controversial, highlights the urgency of reforming remote hiring practices. YTC Ventures is committed to fostering ethical talent and innovation, ensuring startups thrive without deception. Join us to shape the future of India’s tech industry.
How Much Money Did Soham Parekh Allegedly Make?
Over the last five years (2020–2025), Parekh is estimated to have earned over $4 million (approximately Rs. 34 crore) by juggling multiple full-time roles at U.S. startups. Here’s the breakdown:
- Annual Earnings: Reports indicate Parekh earned up to $800,000 per year (Rs. 6.85 crore) by holding 5–6 jobs simultaneously, with daily earnings exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh ($3,000).
- Five-Year Estimate: Assuming he began this scheme around 2020, as suggested by his CV and founder accounts, Parekh likely earned at least $800,000 annually for three to five years, totaling $2.4M–$4M. Some X posts claim a higher run rate of $1.5M per year across 8–10 roles, potentially pushing his earnings closer to $4.5M–$7.5M, though these figures are unverified.
- Job Salaries: Senior engineering roles at startups like Dynamo AI, Synthesia, and Union.ai typically pay $150,000–$200,000 annually. By holding 5–6 such roles, Parekh’s income aligns with the reported $800,000 yearly estimate.
The financial impact on startups was significant, with losses from wasted salaries, equipment (e.g., laptops shipped to a U.S. address), and delayed projects potentially reaching millions across 10+ companies.
A Wake-Up Call for Tech
Soham Parekh’s alleged $4M+ hustle highlights the need for rigorous hiring and ethical training.
YTC Ventures is committed to fostering transparency and innovation, ensuring startups thrive without deception. Join us to shape India’s tech future.
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