AI Automation Startup Relay Shuts Down, CEO Joins Google Chrome Team
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – August 17, 2026 – Relay, an AI-powered workflow automation tool that launched in 2021 with ambitions to rival industry giants like Zapier, is ceasing operations. The closure, which saw free users lose access on August 15th and will extend to paying customers on September 14th, marks the end of a promising venture in the burgeoning AI automation space. However, the story doesn’t end there for some of its key personnel, as Relay’s founder and CEO, Jacob Bank, along with other staff members, are rejoining Google, specifically the Chrome team.
Bank, a seasoned veteran of Google who previously spent over six years with the tech giant, announced his return as Vice President of Product for Google Chrome. In this pivotal role, he will spearhead both the product and developer relations teams for the ubiquitous web browser. This move is particularly significant as Google continues its aggressive integration of artificial intelligence across its product ecosystem.
"I’ve spent my whole career doing one thing: building tools that help people get more done with AI, without sacrificing their personal creativity or insights," Bank shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "And joining the Chrome team is an ideal opportunity to bring those experiences to many, many more people." He hinted at "ambitious plans to help you work with AI in Chrome to get things done" and promised more details in the near future.
Bank’s journey at Google began in 2015 when his previous startup, Timeful – a smart scheduling app – was acquired by the search giant. During his initial tenure, he held influential positions, including product lead for Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Chat, before departing to establish Relay.
Relay, much like Timeful, focused on enhancing user productivity through workflow automation. The platform enabled businesses to automate repetitive tasks, ranging from document drafting and copyediting to various project management functions, aiming to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
The precise manner in which Bank and his team plan to further embed AI into Chrome remains a subject of considerable interest. However, Bank’s statement that Chrome is "a perfect place to collaborate with agents" offers a glimpse into the strategic direction. This aligns seamlessly with Google’s broader strategy of integrating AI into its user experience.
The most notable recent example is the integration of Gemini into Google Search, which has fundamentally reshaped the search engine’s front end and, by extension, parts of the internet. Gemini has also found its way into Chrome as an optional in-browser assistant, demonstrating Google’s commitment to infusing AI into the core browsing experience.
User reception to these AI integrations has been largely positive, with Google recently reporting that its Gemini app has surpassed one billion users, underscoring the widespread adoption and demand for AI-powered features. The arrival of Jacob Bank and his team at Chrome signals a further acceleration of this trend, promising an even more intelligent and efficient browsing experience for users worldwide.
TechCrunch has reached out to both Google and Relay for additional comment and information regarding the transition and future plans.
