Techniques for concurrent node startup are provided. A first startup instruction is received by a first node of a plurality of nodes, and the first node enters an initial startup state. The first node further transmits a first ping to the plurality of nodes, and determines, based on the first ping, that none of the plurality of nodes are in an active state or in a secondary startup state. Upon determining that no additional pings have been received, the first node enters the secondary startup state. Finally, the first node enters the active state, where the first node enters the active state as an initial node in a new cluster.