HomeAI startup Relay folds as staff join Google’s Chrome team
Relay, an AI-driven workflow automation platform launched in 2021 with aspirations to rival Zapier, is ceasing operations, with key team members, including its CEO, transitioning to Google’s Chrome division.
Jacob Bank, Relay’s founder and CEO, announced on Monday that paid subscribers will lose access starting September 14, while free users were already cut off as of August 15. The shutdown was first disclosed in July.
Bank, who previously worked at Google for over six years, will return to the company as VP of Product for Google Chrome. According to his LinkedIn profile, he will oversee product strategy and developer relations for the browser.
“My career has been dedicated to building tools that empower people to achieve more with AI, while preserving their creativity and insights,” Bank stated on X. “Joining the Chrome team offers the perfect chance to extend these benefits to a global audience.”
“We have ambitious plans to enhance AI capabilities within Chrome, and I look forward to sharing more details soon,” he added.
Bank originally joined Google in 2015 following the acquisition of his previous startup, Timeful, a scheduling application. At Google, he led product development for Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Chat before departing to found Relay.
Like Timeful, Relay provided productivity enhancements through workflow automation, helping businesses streamline repetitive tasks such as document drafting, copyediting, and project management. TechCrunch has contacted Google and Relay for further comment.
While details on how Bank and his team will integrate AI into Chrome remain unclear, Bank describes the browser as an ideal environment for collaborating with AI agents.
This move aligns with Google’s ongoing integration of AI into its user experience. The incorporation of Gemini into search has significantly transformed Google’s interface and the broader internet landscape. Gemini is also available in Chrome as an optional in-browser assistant.
User reception has been positive, with Google recently reporting that Gemini has surpassed 1 billion users.
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Relay, an AI-driven workflow automation platform launched in 2021 with aspirations to rival Zapier, is ceasing operations, with key team members, including its CEO, transitioning to Google’s Chrome division.
Jacob Bank, Relay’s founder and CEO, announced on Monday that paid subscribers will lose access starting September 14, while free users were already cut off as of August 15. The shutdown was first disclosed in July.
Bank, who previously worked at Google for over six years, will return to the company as VP of Product for Google Chrome. According to his LinkedIn profile, he will oversee product strategy and developer relations for the browser.
“My career has been dedicated to building tools that empower people to achieve more with AI, while preserving their creativity and insights,” Bank stated on X. “Joining the Chrome team offers the perfect chance to extend these benefits to a global audience.”
“We have ambitious plans to enhance AI capabilities within Chrome, and I look forward to sharing more details soon,” he added.
Bank originally joined Google in 2015 following the acquisition of his previous startup, Timeful, a scheduling application. At Google, he led product development for Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Chat before departing to found Relay.
Like Timeful, Relay provided productivity enhancements through workflow automation, helping businesses streamline repetitive tasks such as document drafting, copyediting, and project management. TechCrunch has contacted Google and Relay for further comment.
While details on how Bank and his team will integrate AI into Chrome remain unclear, Bank describes the browser as an ideal environment for collaborating with AI agents.
This move aligns with Google’s ongoing integration of AI into its user experience. The incorporation of Gemini into search has significantly transformed Google’s interface and the broader internet landscape. Gemini is also available in Chrome as an optional in-browser assistant.
User reception has been positive, with Google recently reporting that Gemini has surpassed 1 billion users.
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Gemini Spark, Google’s AI assistant for managing your digital life, is now available on Mac.On Wednesday, Google announced that Spark is being integrated into the existing Gemini desktop app, along with several updates and new features, including rea
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2026 Latest Top-Rated Best AI Tutors for Exam Prep are here on XIX.AI! Our curated list features powerful game-changing tools that offer free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and weekly updated rankings. They help boost your writing efficiency, simplify complex topic learning, and unlock your academic potential. Explore now to Discover your perfect exam prep tool and Start creating today to Unlock your AI edge!
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2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing solutions that help you conduct real-world tests, understand spending habits, and create personalized plans to boost productivity. Enjoy a free vs paid comparison along with detailed rankings. Must-try tools designed to simplify money management and unlock your AI edge. Explore now!
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