diff --git a/tutor/commands/compose.py b/tutor/commands/compose.py
index 0f19e3a5e3d..d7de6fc88c5 100644
--- a/tutor/commands/compose.py
+++ b/tutor/commands/compose.py
@@ -114,12 +114,12 @@ def launch(
         click.echo(fmt.title("Docker image updates"))
         context.invoke(dc_command, command="pull")
 
-    click.echo(fmt.title("Starting the platform in detached mode"))
-    context.invoke(start, detach=True)
-
     click.echo(fmt.title("Database creation and migrations"))
     context.invoke(do.commands["init"])
 
+    click.echo(fmt.title("Starting the platform in detached mode"))
+    context.invoke(start, detach=True)
+
     # Print the urls of the user-facing apps
     public_app_hosts = ""
     for host in hooks.Filters.APP_PUBLIC_HOSTS.iterate(context_name):