18 August 2026

Relay AI startup shuts down, CEO joins Google Chrome

• Relay, a workflow automation tool launched in 2021 to compete with Zapier, ceased operations with paying customers losing access September 14.
• CEO Jacob Bank is rejoining Google as VP of Product for Chrome, leading product and developer relations for the browser.
• Bank previously founded Timeful, a scheduling app Google acquired in 2015, and worked on Gmail, Calendar, and Chat before launching Relay.
• Bank stated Chrome is a good platform to integrate AI agents that help users accomplish tasks without replacing their own thinking.

How it was covered

The NeuronPete Huang & Grant Harvey

Relay, an AI workflow automation startup, shut down operations. Its CEO is moving to lead AI product for Google Chrome.

Reported by TechCrunch