Relay, the AI workflow automation startup founded by Jacob Bank in 2021, is winding down its service, ending access for free users in August 2026 and paying customers in September 2026. Bank and part of the team are rejoining Google, where Bank takes a product leadership role on Chrome.
Aug 2026 · TechCrunchNews article
Backed by A16z, Relay races to market with Zapier in its crosshairs
Relay, an automation startup backed by A16z, launches publicly after an extended beta as it targets Zapier’s market. The company describes its workflow automation platform as helping people handle mundane, repetitive tasks and says it goes “beyond triggers and actions,” the rules-based approach used by similar platforms.
Relay.app announced general availability of its workflow automation product, which combines AI steps with human review. It also disclosed additional funding led by Andreessen Horowitz and named Ramp, Skyflow, Warp, Motion, Lumos, and Tavus as early customers.
Jacob Bank launches Relay, a workflow tool aimed at automating repetitive team coordination tasks. The San Francisco company makes its public debut alongside announced seed financing, following Bank’s earlier scheduling app Timeful, which Google acquired, and his return to startups.
