Marilynn Joyner Is Redefining Commercial Real Estate—One Founder-Focused Space at a Time
In the traditionally transactional world of commercial real estate, few are reimagining the model with the clarity and commitment of Marilynn Joyner. A seasoned broker with over a decade of experience at JLL and CBRE, Joyner is the force behind Canvas, a newly launched real estate firm reshaping how startups and founder-led brands secure commercial space.
Launched with a founder-first philosophy, Canvas goes beyond the lease. The firm offers startup-focused commercial real estate services tailored to growth-stage companies seeking flexible, scalable, and brand-aligned workspace solutions. Canvas delivers strategic tenant representation with an eye toward longevity—not just occupancy.
A Real Estate Firm Built for Founders
The inspiration for Canvas came when Joyner recognized a persistent gap in the market: emerging businesses and startups often lack strategic support when securing commercial space. Traditional brokers, she observed, focus on closing deals, not guiding founders through the nuances of real estate strategy.
“Startups don’t just need space—they need spaces that evolve with them, reflect their brand story, and support operational agility.”
Marilynn Joyner, Founder and CEO of Canvas
With over 12 years of experience negotiating complex leases for Fortune 100 firms and first-time founders alike, Joyner understood the importance of aligning physical space with brand growth. Her background in founding Her Workplace—an AI-powered network for Gen Z and millennial professionals—deepened her insight into the unique hurdles faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Elevating Real Estate from Transactional to Transformational
Canvas is not your typical brokerage. It operates on a growth partnership model, offering real estate solutions for startups that extend beyond square footage. Clients receive curated guidance on navigating commercial leases, selecting neighborhoods that resonate with their brand ethos, and identifying spaces that scale with their team and vision.
More than just flexible leasing solutions, Canvas provides:
Real estate strategy tailored to founder goals
Deep understanding of startup operations and pace
Direct investment in clients success
Strategic growth partnerships that move beyond one-time deals
These offerings are particularly valuable in commercial real estate markets, where competition for curated spaces is fierce, and where environment plays a central role in customer experience.
Where Real Estate Meets Brand Identity
For start-ups and growing businesses, commercial space isn't just a place to work—it’s a strategic asset that reflects a company’s identity and supports its evolution. Canvas partners closely with founders to secure spaces that align with their brand, culture, and long-term vision. Canvas delivers tailored real estate solutions that prioritize flexibility, intentionality, and growth. In an industry often driven by volume, Canvas stands out for its partnership-based approach.
A Real Estate Firm Rooted in Purpose
What sets Canvas apart is its purpose-driven real estate approach. The firm not only brokers leases—it builds long-term relationships, serving as an extension of a founder’s vision. The brand focuses on building long-term relationships and supporting the scale of businesses through flexible real estate solutions, strategic guidance, and investments.
Canvas is becoming the go-to real estate advisor for entrepreneurs seeking founder-first real estate solutions with flexibility and strategy.
Empowering Underrepresented Founders
Joyner is particularly passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented founders. Her work at the intersection of commercial real estate and inclusive entrepreneurship reflects a larger mission: to give founders access to strategic partnerships, mentoring, and investment opportunities.
As she explains:
“I know what it means to build something from scratch. That’s why Canvas exists—to give founders a real estate experience that matches their vision, energy, and potential.”
Marilynn Joyner, Founder and CEO of Canvas
A New Era of Startup Real Estate Strategy
Canvas is more than a firm—it’s a movement toward intentional, human-centered commercial real estate. As the future of work continues to evolve, and as brands seek greater alignment between their physical and digital presence, Canvas is setting the standard for what startup-friendly real estate services can look like.
At the center of it all is Marilynn Joyner: a visionary reshaping the real estate conversation from one of cold square footage to one of collaboration, creativity, and founder empowerment.
FAQ: Commercial Real Estate for Startups and Founder-Led Brands
What makes commercial real estate different for startups?
Startups often need flexibility in lease terms, room to scale, and spaces that reflect their evolving brand identity. Unlike large corporations, they don’t always have in-house real estate teams, so founder-first advisory becomes essential.
What is a founder-first real estate firm?
A founder-first real estate firm prioritizes the unique needs of entrepreneurs—offering curated space selection, strategic lease guidance, and long-term partnership, not just transactional brokerage.
What is tenant representation in commercial real estate?
Tenant representation is a service where a real estate advisor exclusively represents the tenant (not the landlord), advocating for the best terms, location, and space fit for the business’s goals.
How does Canvas support long-term business growth?
Canvas goes beyond closing deals. The firm aligns real estate strategy with a company’s growth plan—offering services like workspace branding, flexible expansion support, and even founder mentorship.
Is Canvas only for tech companies?
No. Canvas serves a wide range of sectors—from wellness to fashion to creative services. What unites its clients is a growth mindset, a brand-forward vision, and a desire for curated, flexible commercial space.