AI automation startup Relay shuts down, team moves to Google Chrome
The closure of AI-focused automation startup Relay and its transition to Google
1Relay's shutdown decision
AI-powered workflow automation tool Relay, founded in 2021 as a Zapier competitor, will shut down in September 2026. Paid customers will lose access on September 14. CEO Jacob Bank announced the decision in July. Free users already lost access on August 15. The startup offered solutions for automating repetitive tasks like document editing and project management.
2Return to Google
Relay CEO Jacob Bank is joining Google as VP of Product for Chrome, where he'll lead product and developer relations. Bank previously worked at Google from 2015-2021, managing Gmail, Calendar and Chat products. After Google acquired his scheduling app Timeful, he founded Relay in 2021. On LinkedIn, he called Chrome 'the perfect platform to collaborate with agents'.
3Chrome's AI strategy
Bank's move to Chrome with his team signals deeper AI integrations coming to Google's browser. The company previously integrated Gemini AI as an optional in-browser assistant. Gemini, which transformed Google's search experience, recently surpassed 1 billion users. Bank stated, 'We have ambitious plans for working with AI in Chrome.'
4Startup's brief history
Relay was founded in 2021 to automate repetitive business tasks. It was Bank's second venture after Google acquired Timeful. During its three-year operation, it specialized in document editing and project management automation. However, it failed to gain sufficient market share against competitors and couldn't achieve financial sustainability.
5AI race in the industry
Google's acquisition of Relay's team reflects big tech's strategy of internalizing AI talent. While Microsoft deepens its OpenAI partnership and Apple develops its own models, Chrome's AI integrations could define the next phase of browser wars. Bank's experience with Gmail and Chat products may give Google a significant advantage.
6Employees' future
With Relay's shutdown, core team members are reportedly moving to Google Chrome. No official details were provided about how many employees will transition. TechCrunch's inquiries to Google and Relay went unanswered. Bank described the move on X as 'an opportunity to reach many more people,' highlighting big tech's appeal for AI specialists.
7User reactions
Relay users must back up their data by mid-September. Free users already lost access. Questions remain whether Chrome's upcoming AI features will match Relay's functionality. Many users have started looking for alternative project management automation tools. Google's next moves in this space are being closely watched.
8Implications for startup ecosystem
Relay's shutdown illustrates challenging market conditions for AI-focused startups. Dominance by big tech makes survival difficult for niche solutions. However, talent acquisitions provide an alternative exit path for entrepreneurs. Google's move serves as a concrete example of how the AI talent war is reshaping the startup landscape.
Original article: TechCrunch — Relay kapanıyor, ekibi Google Chrome'a geçiyor