IIMCIP Launches Storytelling Programme for Founders
Kolkata | New Delhi – February 13, 2026: The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) has announced a strategic collaboration with Gnothi Seauton Advisors LLP to introduce a year-long storytelling and pitching programme aimed at entrepreneurs and growth-stage ventures. This initiative is designed to enhance the narrative skills of founders, enabling them to effectively articulate their vision, value, and credibility in various business contexts such as fundraising, partnerships, and scaling operations.
Programme Overview
The storytelling programme, titled “Purposeful Storytelling for Venture Success,” will span 12 months and is structured into four thematic chapters. Each chapter will consist of three modules, focusing on different aspects of storytelling and pitching. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of narrative clarity, strategic coherence, and real-world application, allowing participants to develop storytelling as a critical leadership capability.
Curriculum Structure
- Module 1: Introduction to Storytelling in Business
- Module 2: Crafting Your Narrative
- Module 3: Understanding Your Audience
- Module 4: Data-Driven Storytelling
- Module 5: Pitch Mechanics
- Module 6: Real-World Applications
- Module 7: Building Trust through Storytelling
- Module 8: Leadership Communication
- Module 9: Storytelling for Fundraising
- Module 10: Storytelling in Partnerships
- Module 11: Final Pitch Preparation
- Module 12: Live Pitch Evaluation
Objectives of the Programme
The primary objective of this programme is to equip founders with the necessary skills to communicate their business ideas effectively. By mastering the art of storytelling, entrepreneurs can:
- Enhance their fundraising capabilities by presenting compelling narratives that resonate with investors.
- Build stronger partnerships by articulating their vision and value proposition clearly.
- Attract and retain talent by communicating their company culture and mission effectively.
- Scale their ventures by leveraging storytelling as a strategic tool in various business contexts.
Expert Insights
Pankaj Baruah, Head of Program and Portfolio at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, emphasized the importance of narrative capability in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. He stated, “Entrepreneurs today operate in environments where capital, talent, and trust are closely linked to how clearly they can articulate their purpose and potential. This collaboration is designed to equip founders with narrative capability as a strategic advantage.”
Vivek Pradeep Rana, Managing Partner at Gnothi Seauton Advisors LLP, added, “Founders are often taught what to build, but rarely how to explain why it matters in ways that investors, partners, and teams can believe in. This programme treats storytelling as disciplined thinking. Working with IIMCIP allows us to anchor this capability inside the venture ecosystem where it can have a compounding impact.”
Alignment with Entrepreneurial Support
This initiative aligns with IIMCIP’s mandate to support entrepreneurship through mentoring, market access, and visibility. It also complements Gnothi Seauton’s mission of building narrative depth for leaders and organizations navigating growth and complexity. By focusing on storytelling, the programme aims to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who can effectively communicate their ideas and drive their ventures towards success.
Conclusion
The launch of the storytelling programme by IIMCIP in collaboration with Gnothi Seauton represents a significant step towards enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs in India. By focusing on the art of storytelling, this initiative not only aims to improve the fundraising and partnership capabilities of founders but also seeks to instill a deeper understanding of the importance of narrative in leadership and business growth.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 13, 2026. For the latest updates, please refer to official announcements from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and Gnothi Seauton Advisors LLP.
