AI Automation Startup Relay Shuts Down, Staff Joins Google’s Chrome Team

Relay, an AI-powered workflow automation tool launched in 2021 with the goal of becoming the new Zapier, is shutting down. Founder and CEO Jacob Bank announced the closure, effective September 14 for paying customers and August 15 for free users. Bank, who previously worked at Google for over six years, will rejoin the company as VP of Product for Google Chrome, leading product and developer relations teams. His LinkedIn post highlights his career focus on building AI tools that enhance productivity without stifling creativity. The shutdown was initially announced in July, and Bank’s return to Google follows his departure after founding Relay. The move aligns with Google’s broader AI integration strategy, including Gemini’s role in search and Chrome as an in-browser assistant. With Gemini surpassing 1 billion users, Google’s AI initiatives continue to expand, raising questions about how Relay’s expertise will shape future Chrome features. The article underscores the evolving landscape of AI-driven productivity tools and corporate acquisitions in the tech industry.