Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan embarked on a two-day trip to Silicon Valley this week, where she sought to reverse her reputation as a Big Tech critic. In her first visit to the tech hub since assuming her role, Khan made a concerted effort to connect with entrepreneurs and founders, signaling her willingness to engage directly with the industry.

During her visit, Khan emphasized her support for the tech community through various talks, dinners, and events across the Bay Area. At startup accelerator Y Combinator, she stressed the importance of understanding the risks faced by founders and startups. Khan expressed her eagerness for policymakers in Washington, D.C. to actively engage with tech entrepreneurs and gain insight into their challenges.

This outreach strategy marks a departure from Khan's previous approach. In June, she made a more low-key attempt to connect with the tech industry by meeting a select group of venture capital investors in New York and discussing tech regulations at a local bookstore. However, her recent visit to Silicon Valley demonstrated a high-profile effort to engage with the community directly.

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a key focus during Khan's visit, aligned with President Joe Biden's executive order. The FTC chair expressed concerns about the concentration of critical inputs in AI technology and potential bottlenecks that could hinder innovation and competition. Khan highlighted the agency's examination of all aspects of AI, including graphics processing units, cloud computing, and data used by AI models.

Khan received a warm reception from tech workers and venture capital investors in San Francisco. At a Mission District cafe, she was applauded and greeted with scattered cheers during a fireside chat. Additionally, at Stanford University, a former Meta employee expressed admiration for the FTC's actions in trying to block Meta's acquisition of AI startup Within Limited.

While the FTC defended its firm stance on unlawful mergers, including Microsoft's closed $69 billion purchase of Activision, Khan reiterated her commitment to protecting both consumers and workers. She emphasized that the FTC's goals are aligned with those of innovators and entrepreneurs and that the agency aims to utilize existing laws to ensure their protection.

Big Tech companies, in particular Amazon and Meta, perceive Khan as a hindrance due to her past criticisms of their practices. Khan gained prominence in 2017 after publishing an academic article that highlighted Amazon's anticompetitive behavior.

Khan's visit to Silicon Valley marks a shift in her engagement strategy, as she actively seeks to foster a relationship with entrepreneurs and founders in the tech industry. As the FTC chair takes a friendlier stance towards industry workers, her focus on AI and commitment to protecting innovation and competition will undoubtedly draw attention to the agency's efforts in regulating Big Tech.