Everyone in tech has an opinion about Soham Parekh | TechCrunch
Soham Parekh’s journey in tech is one of influence, ambition, and the intersection of startups and big companies. As a former employee at Y Combinator and a current VP of Global Product Leadership at Meta, Soham Parekh has carved out his place in tech with an unbreakable balance between contributing to startups and driving innovation for the company as a whole.### Early Days at Y Combinator
Soham Parekh’s career began at Y Combinator, where he was one of the youngest employees. From what I can recall, he quickly made a name for himself in tech circles—perhaps even being one of the first few to join. His early days were marked by his love of startups and his desire to make an impact on the industry.
But as he grew older, he noticed that Y Combinator had grown rapidly, with many young talent leaving the company after a few years. In March 2025, when Soham was just 37 years old, I read about him trying to connect via email but couldn’t find a way to reach out to his former employer. The link provided by TechCrunch’s article seemed like an unlikely route, but it was the first hint that something significant had happened.
### The Exit Strategy Document
Years later, when I joined Y Combinator in May 2023, the company was already well on its way to $20 million. My time at Y Combinator would end in August when Soham Parekh left. But how?
The exit strategy document that came with Y Combinator’s valuation included several key details: Soham Parekh’s salary at Meta was roughly equal to his salary at Y Combinator. He had a 50% stake in Meta when the exit happened, and he had been working there since early 2017.
When I joined Y Combinator, there were rumors of potential acquisitions or deals happening. The link provided by TechCrunch suggested that Soham Parekh would join one as part of the post-exit team. However, his decision to apply for Meta was a shock given the lack of formal interviews he had received. Despite the uncertainty, he made it through and quickly assumed the role.
### Moving to Meta
After leaving Y Combinator in August 2025, Soham Parekh moved to Meta’s Silicon Valley office where he remained for over a year before joining its executive team as VP of Global Product Leadership in February 2026. His presence at Meta was one of the most dynamic figures in the company, known for his ability to balance innovation with startups.
Meta had many ambitious projects that required a blend of technical expertise and business acumen. Soham’s experience with Y Combinator, combined with his deep understanding of open-source technologies and their impact on tech, made him a natural fit at Meta.
### Balancing Strides
At Meta, Soham Parekh spent most of his time working with other executives, co-creating the global product team and leading the company’s strategy. He was also deeply involved in mentoring startups, playing a crucial role in shaping Meta’s ecosystem of innovation. His work there allowed him to merge the fast-paced pace of tech with the desire for impactful change.
### Impact on the Tech Startup Ecosystem
Meta’s impact on the tech startup ecosystem is unparalleled. With his leadership and deep understanding of the industry’s challenges, Soham Parekh helped create a culture where startups were both at risk of failure and poised for success. His work in AI, open-source projects, and other emerging technologies positioned Meta as a leader in the field.
### Conclusion
Soham Parekh is no stranger to the tech world, but his journey at Y Combinator to Meta is one of significance. From the early days of his career to his current role, he has carved out a unique path that demonstrates both technical prowess and strategic acumen. His ability to influence both startups and big companies makes him a standout figure in the tech industry, with a trajectory that continues to be relevant today.
As Soham Parekh looks into the future, he knows there’s no shortage of opportunities waiting ahead for those who are willing to navigate the dynamic world of tech.
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