Former Plaid CTO shuts down AI tax startup and pivots to Town

a16z says Jean-Denis Greze shut down his AI tax startup despite nearly $1 million in first-year revenue, arguing that incumbents could automate tax prep for existing customers faster. He pivoted to Town, an AI assistant that works from email and calendar. a16z partner Alex Rampell says Justine Moore’s praise prompted Ben Horowitz to try Town; Rampell credits both with helping make an investment happen.