AI workflow startup Relay, founded in 2021 to simplify repetitive digital tasks, is ending its service operations. The company will stop access for paying users on September 14, while free accounts lost access on August 15.
At the same time, Relay founder and CEO Jacob Bank is returning to Google, where he will serve as VP of Product for Google Chrome. In his new role, he will lead product and developer relations efforts for the browser team.
Bank previously spent more than six years at Google after the company acquired his earlier startup, Timeful, in 2015. During that period, he worked on products including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Chat before launching Relay.
Relay was built to help teams automate tasks such as drafting documents, editing copy, and managing project workflows. Bank has said Chrome is well positioned for collaboration with AI agents, hinting at a deeper role for intelligent assistance inside the browser.
The move also reflects Google's broader push to weave AI into everyday tools, including Chrome and Gemini-powered experiences. As browser-based assistants become more capable, the line between search, productivity, and automation continues to narrow. The next phase could make the web feel far more adaptive, personal, and efficient.
