In a surprise move, incoming President Donald Trump announced on social media that Andrew Ferguson, one of two Republican FTC commissioners appointed by President Joe Biden, will be the country's next FTC Chair. The news has been met with relief in some circles, particularly in Silicon Valley, where current FTC Chair Lina Khan has been blamed for a dearth of M&A activity.

Khan, whose term expired in September but has remained in the role, has been a vocal critic of Big Tech companies and has led the agency in several high-profile cases against them. While her tenure has been marked by a focus on antitrust enforcement, critics argue that her aggressive stance has stifled innovation and M&A activity in the tech industry.

In a June interview with TechCrunch, Khan pushed back against these criticisms, arguing that a more competitive landscape with multiple potential suitors is better for startups and founders seeking acquisition as an exit strategy. However, her words did little to assuage the concerns of Silicon Valley insiders, who have been eagerly awaiting a change in leadership at the FTC.

Ferguson, who brings a background as a Congressional aide and Supreme Court clerk to the role, has been hailed by Trump as "the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country's History." While the implications of Ferguson's appointment are still unclear, many in the tech industry are hopeful that he will take a more business-friendly approach to regulation, paving the way for increased M&A activity and innovation.

The change in leadership at the FTC comes at a critical time for the tech industry, which is facing increasing scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, the role of the FTC in shaping its future will be more important than ever. With Ferguson at the helm, many are watching to see how he will balance the need to promote innovation with the need to protect consumers and promote competition.

While Ferguson's appointment is likely to be met with opposition from some Democrats, who have been critical of the FTC's approach to regulation under Khan, it is clear that his leadership will mark a significant shift in tone and approach at the agency. As the tech industry looks to the future, one thing is certain: the next chapter in the FTC's history will be closely watched and hotly debated.