An Indian software professional, identified by NDTV as Verma, says a US startup rejected his application after he discussed his skills and portfolio. In a post on X, Verma alleges that the startup founder reviewed his technical work and praised his portfolio and abilities, but then said the company was looking for someone with an “American” accent and would not proceed.

The claim has led to discussion online, with users reacting to what they view as accent-related discrimination in hiring. NDTV reports the allegation as shared by Verma, focusing on the founder’s purported reasoning and the applicant’s account of the exchange.

In the information provided, no response from the startup or additional documentation of the conversation is included. The story therefore centers on Verma’s account of the hiring decision and the reactions it draws rather than independently verified details from the company.