WHY SETTING UP A FOREIGN OFFICE MATTERS. For example: you are an emerging European company seeking foreign financing, because it is a dry well in Europe. You target US VCs. Guess what? Unless you are in an easy travel radius from their offices, not a prayer. Set up a Palo Alto office, so you can meet them on their doorstep, hold future board meetings there, and so on. Instantly remove the first objection to saying yes. A US subsidiary may also make you eligible for US grants and other money.