AI Automation Venture Relay Ceases Operations; Team Transitions to Google Chrome Division
Relay, a workflow automation platform powered by AI and launched in 2021 with aspirations to rival Zapier, is set to shut down. Some of its team members, including the CEO, will transition to roles within Google’s Chrome division.
Jacob Bank, the CEO and founder of Relay, announced on Monday that the service will discontinue access for paying customers effective September 14. Those using free accounts lost access earlier on August 15. The decision to close the app was initially revealed in July.
Having spent over six years at Google previously, Bank disclosed that he will rejoin the tech company as the Vice President of Product for Google Chrome. In this role, he will oversee the product and developer relations teams for Chrome, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.
Bank expressed his career focus on creating tools that enhance productivity through AI, while still valuing individual creativity and insights. He commented on X, stating, “Joining the Chrome team presents a fantastic opportunity to extend those experiences to a broader audience.”
He elaborated on the ambitious initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity in Chrome through AI, promising further updates in the near future.
Bank’s journey with Google began in 2015 when the company acquired his previous startup, Timeful, a scheduling application. During his tenure at Google, he held various positions, including product lead for Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Chat, prior to his launch of Relay.
Relay, like Timeful, was designed to enhance productivity through automation, enabling businesses to simplify repetitive tasks such as document preparation, editing, and project management. TechCrunch has reached out to both Google and Relay for additional information.
It remains uncertain how Bank and his team plan to further incorporate AI into Chrome. However, he has identified Chrome as an ideal platform for collaboration with AI agents.
This transition aligns with Google’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI into its user experiences. The incorporation of the Gemini AI into search functions has significantly transformed Google’s interface, impacting the broader internet landscape. Gemini is also featured in Chrome as an optional in-browser assistant.
User feedback regarding these advancements has generally been positive, with Google recently announcing that the Gemini AI reached over 1 billion users.
