AI Automation Startup Relay Closes; Team Joins Google Chrome Division

Relay, a San Francisco‑based AI automation startup, announced today that it is winding down operations and transferring its engineering team to Google’s Chrome development group. Founder and CEO Jacob Bank explained the move as part of a larger vision: “We have ambitious plans to embed AI directly into Chrome so users can get more done, and I’ll share more details soon.”

Since its launch two years ago, Relay offered a platform that let users trigger complex workflows with natural‑language prompts, automating tasks such as email drafting, data entry, and report generation. Despite raising $30 million in its latest funding round, the company faced mounting competition from tech giants rolling out comparable AI features, prompting a strategic pivot.

Bank emphasized that the transition is a win‑win for both parties. “Our team is uniquely positioned to accelerate Chrome’s AI roadmap. With Google’s resources, we can deliver smarter, faster experiences directly inside the browser.” The staff will now operate under a new internal label, “Chrome AI Labs,” tasked with building a suite of AI‑driven tools that will be baked into upcoming Chrome releases.

Google’s spokesperson confirmed that the team will focus on a range of capabilities—from intelligent email replies and document summarization to code suggestions and real‑time data extraction—aimed at turning the browser into a productivity hub. Bank added that the first prototypes are slated for a public preview in the next quarter, promising users a more seamless way to automate everyday tasks without leaving Chrome.

Relay’s closure highlights a growing pattern in the startup ecosystem: innovative AI teams often find greater impact by joining larger platforms that can scale their technology. For Chrome users, the integration means an imminent wave of AI‑enhanced features that could reshape how work gets done online.

Source: TechCrunch

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