An Indian software engineer, soham parekh, has landed in controversy after being accused of moonlighting at several US-based startups simultaneously. The case has stirred conversation across tech circles globally, especially as remote work continues to reshape traditional job ethics and hiring systems.
Reports reveal that soham parekh, a 23-year-old tech professional, managed to secure roles at multiple startups without disclosing overlapping employment. His resume listed positions at at least six different companies, leading to confusion and concern about due diligence processes and potential breaches of trust.
The Startling Resume Trail
The most eye-catching element of this controversy is soham parekh’s LinkedIn-style resume that displays titles such as Software Engineer, Lead Developer, and Technical Advisor — all across different firms, some even within the same timeframe. His resume spanned roles with companies like Glide, Alchemy, DoNotPay, and even involvement with Y Combinator-backed ventures.
This revelation prompted several startups to review internal hiring procedures and sparked a wider discussion around moonlighting, especially in the remote tech landscape, where time zone differences and flexible hours can mask multiple employments.
How Did It Go Unnoticed?
Tech experts are questioning how soham parekh’s multiple roles slipped through the cracks for so long. Startups, especially those in early stages, often lack robust HR systems to cross-verify employment backgrounds. In many cases, startup founders rely on trust, direct referrals, or a contractor-style setup without comprehensive checks.
Further complicating matters, Parekh used different job titles and listed involvement in short bursts—such as internships or freelance roles—making it harder to detect employment overlaps.
Legal and Ethical Implications
While moonlighting isn't illegal in every jurisdiction, it often breaches employment contracts and violates ethical work norms, particularly when it leads to performance or confidentiality issues. In the case of soham parekh, there is no confirmed legal action yet, but the involved companies are reportedly reviewing the extent of his contributions and exploring their options.
Experts warn that such incidents may lead startups to introduce stricter hiring practices, especially for remote and contract workers. Verifications through third-party background checks and non-compete clauses may see increased adoption.
Reactions from the Startup Ecosystem
The tech community is divided. Some believe that soham parekh’s actions highlight a failure of the system rather than just an individual's wrongdoing. Others argue that managing so many jobs simultaneously dilutes focus and risks the quality of work, causing harm to the startups that trusted him.
Still, there are those calling for more empathy, citing that the pressure to hustle and earn in competitive tech environments often pushes young developers into such practices.
As this story unfolds, it may become a case study for HR professionals, startup founders, and developers worldwide in navigating trust, ethics, and expectations in the post-pandemic remote work era.
