diff --git a/src/serena/dashboard.py b/src/serena/dashboard.py
index 3b4186f0..d2f5e1fa 100644
--- a/src/serena/dashboard.py
+++ b/src/serena/dashboard.py
@@ -1064,6 +1064,8 @@ class SerenaDashboardTrayManager:
 
         Removes unreachable instances and terminates the manager when none remain.
         """
+        time.sleep(max(1, 5 - self.ALIVE_CHECK_INTERVAL_SECONDS))  # initial delay to allow instances to start and register
+
         while True:
             time.sleep(self.ALIVE_CHECK_INTERVAL_SECONDS)