AI automation startup Relay is winding down, but its team is moving into one of the world’s most widely used software products: Google Chrome.
Relay founder and CEO Jacob Bank said the team has “really ambitious plans” to help people work with AI in Chrome and get things done. That points to a future where AI assistance is built more directly into everyday browsing and work tasks.
Why this matters
While startup shutdowns are always bittersweet, this move could turn Relay’s automation expertise into features that reach far more people through Chrome. Browser-native AI tools have the potential to streamline research, task completion, form-filling, content handling, and other common workflows.
- Practical AI: The focus appears to be on helping users complete real tasks, not just chat.
- Massive reach: Chrome gives AI productivity features a path to mainstream adoption.
- Talent momentum: Relay’s team will continue its work inside Google’s AI ecosystem.