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AI Workflow Tool Relay Shuts Down, Founder Heads to Google Chrome

Relay, a startup that aimed to be the "AI version of Zapier," has announced it's shutting down. Founder and CEO Jacob Bank, along with some team members, are heading to Google's Chrome division. The news broke on Monday, with Bank revealing that Relay will stop serving paying customers on September 14, while free users lost access as of August 15. The shutdown was first hinted at in July.

Relay launched in 2021 with a clear mission: help businesses automate repetitive tasks like drafting documents, editing content, and managing projects. Think of it as a smart assistant that could handle the busywork, freeing up humans for more creative pursuits. But despite its promise, the startup couldn't sustain its operations, and now it's winding down.

Bank's journey with Google isn't new. He joined the tech giant back in 2015, after his scheduling app Timeful was acquired by Google. During his tenure, he worked on products like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Chat, before leaving to start Relay. Now, he's making a comeback, stepping into the role of Vice President of Chrome Products. In this position, he'll lead the Chrome product and developer relations teams, with a focus on integrating AI more deeply into the browser.

"Chrome is the perfect place for AI agents to thrive," Bank said in a statement. He envisions a browser that can not only browse but also perform tasks on behalf of users, making the web more interactive and efficient. This move aligns with Google's broader strategy of embedding AI into its core products. After integrating Gemini into search and Chrome, the company is now doubling down on AI's role in user experience and internet access points.

Recently, Google revealed that Gemini has surpassed 1 billion users, a testament to its growing adoption. With the Relay team joining forces, Chrome's AI capabilities could see a significant boost. Imagine a browser that understands your context, anticipates your needs, and even completes tasks for you—that's the direction Google seems to be heading.

For Relay users, the closure is a reminder of the volatile nature of the startup world. But for the broader tech landscape, it's a sign that AI is becoming increasingly central to how we interact with the web. As Google continues to weave AI into its fabric, the line between human and machine assistance is blurring, and Chrome is poised to be at the forefront of this evolution.

Key Points

  • Relay, an AI workflow automation tool, is shutting down, with founder Jacob Bank and some employees joining Google's Chrome team.
  • Bank will return to Google as Vice President of Chrome Products, focusing on AI agents in the browser.
  • Google's Gemini has surpassed 1 billion users, and the integration of AI into Chrome is expected to accelerate.
  • The closure reflects the challenges faced by AI startups, while highlighting Google's commitment to AI-driven user experiences.