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"Pelka raised $1.5 million to open the luxe West Village Champagne bar the Riddler by assembling a large, diversified investor base (more than 30 backers), primarily women, and by asking anyone she thought might have $5,000 or more to consider investing. Her approach emphasizes meeting people socially to build rapport, following up with a detailed business plan, and having a full plan ready before soliciting capital." - Stefanie Tuder