Relay shuts down operations; CEO Jacob Bank joins Google as Chrome product chief

Relay, the AI-powered workflow automation startup launched in 2021, is shutting down its platform and transferring part of its talent pool, including founder and CEO Jacob Bank, to Google's Chrome team.

The announcement marks the end of a company that sought to simplify workflow automation for businesses through AI-driven tools and was often positioned as a challenger in the automation software market. At the same time, it signals Google's continued efforts to strengthen AI capabilities within Chrome as competition intensifies around AI-powered productivity tools and browser experiences.

Shutdown timeline has been set

Bank confirmed in a company announcement that Relay will begin winding down customer access over the coming weeks.

According to the company:

• Free-tier users lost access on 15 August
• Paying customers will retain access until 14 September
• The company's closure was first announced in July

Relay was founded in 2021 with a focus on workflow automation, helping organisations automate repetitive tasks such as document drafting, copy editing, and project management processes.

The platform positioned itself as an AI-enabled productivity tool designed to reduce manual work and streamline business operations.

Founder returns to familiar ground

Alongside the shutdown announcement, Bank revealed he is rejoining Google as Vice President of Product for Google Chrome.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he will oversee Chrome's product and developer relations teams.

The appointment represents a return to Google for Bank, who previously spent more than six years at the company.

His earlier Google tenure began in 2015 after the acquisition of Timeful, a scheduling startup he founded. Following the acquisition, he worked across several major Google products, including:

• Gmail
• Google Calendar
• Google Chat

He later left the company to establish Relay.

In a public statement, Bank said his career had centred on building tools that help people accomplish more with AI while preserving creativity and human insight. He added that joining the Chrome team would allow those experiences to reach a much broader audience.

Chrome emerges as a key AI battleground

Bank's move comes as Google continues to expand AI features across its products and services.

Chrome has become an increasingly important platform in those efforts. Google has already integrated Gemini into the browser as an optional assistant, allowing users to access AI-powered support directly within their browsing experience.

Bank also described Chrome as a natural environment for collaboration with AI agents, hinting at future developments in how users interact with AI through the browser.

While Google has not disclosed specific plans tied to Bank's appointment, his background in productivity software, automation, scheduling, and AI suggests a close alignment with the company's broader strategy of embedding AI more deeply into everyday workflows.

Relay's exit reflects a changing AI software landscape

Relay's closure comes amid rapid shifts in the AI software market, where startups face increasing pressure from large technology companies integrating similar capabilities into widely used platforms.

The company's automation tools aimed to help businesses automate repetitive processes and improve operational efficiency. However, AI-driven productivity features are increasingly becoming native components of larger ecosystems rather than standalone products.

The transition also highlights a recurring pattern in the technology industry, where startup founders and specialised teams move into larger organisations seeking to accelerate innovation in emerging areas.

Focus turns to Chrome's next phase

For Google, the addition of Bank and members of the Relay team arrives at a time when AI is becoming central to how users search, browse, communicate, and work online.

Google recently reported that Gemini has surpassed one billion users, underscoring the scale of adoption of its AI products.

As Relay prepares to close its doors, attention is likely to shift to how Chrome evolves under expanded AI leadership and what role automation, agents, and productivity-focused experiences will play in the browser's future.