Relay Raises $36M for Frontline AI

Relay has raised new capital to bring more software and AI into workplaces where employees rarely sit in front of a computer.

What happened

The company raised $36 million, led by International Paper, one of its major customers, alongside Cerity Partners and G2 Venture Partners.

Relay sells internet-connected communication devices for frontline workers that combine voice communication, real-time location and operational data.

The company plans to use the funding to expand beyond its original smart walkie-talkie positioning and add more AI capabilities.

Why it matters

Most enterprise AI products are designed for knowledge workers using laptops.

That leaves warehouses, factories, hotels and other frontline environments comparatively underserved.

Workers in those settings need interfaces that are hands-free, simple and fast.

A connected voice device can become the access point for scheduling, coordination, alerts and eventually AI assistance without requiring employees to use traditional software interfaces.

The bigger picture

The next wave of enterprise AI may expand into physical workplaces rather than remain concentrated in office software.

That creates opportunities for companies that control the hardware and communication layer used by frontline teams.

Relay's strategy is notable because it combines a dedicated device with software and operational data, giving it a potential distribution advantage over purely app-based AI tools trying to reach the same workers.