diff --git a/bubble-server/src/main/java/bubble/service/cloud/StandardNetworkService.java b/bubble-server/src/main/java/bubble/service/cloud/StandardNetworkService.java
index 217552aa..13f11b23 100644
--- a/bubble-server/src/main/java/bubble/service/cloud/StandardNetworkService.java
+++ b/bubble-server/src/main/java/bubble/service/cloud/StandardNetworkService.java
@@ -10,12 +10,17 @@ import bubble.cloud.dns.DnsServiceDriver;
 import bubble.dao.account.AccountDAO;
 import bubble.dao.account.AccountPolicyDAO;
 import bubble.dao.account.AccountSshKeyDAO;
+import bubble.dao.account.message.AccountMessageDAO;
 import bubble.dao.bill.AccountPlanDAO;
 import bubble.dao.bill.BubblePlanDAO;
 import bubble.dao.cloud.*;
 import bubble.model.account.Account;
 import bubble.model.account.AccountPolicy;
 import bubble.model.account.AccountSshKey;
+import bubble.model.account.message.AccountAction;
+import bubble.model.account.message.AccountMessage;
+import bubble.model.account.message.AccountMessageType;
+import bubble.model.account.message.ActionTarget;
 import bubble.model.bill.AccountPlan;
 import bubble.model.bill.BubblePlan;
 import bubble.model.cloud.*;
@@ -109,6 +114,7 @@ public class StandardNetworkService implements NetworkService {
     @Autowired private AnsibleRoleDAO roleDAO;
     @Autowired private AccountPlanDAO accountPlanDAO;
     @Autowired private AccountPolicyDAO policyDAO;
+    @Autowired private AccountMessageDAO accountMessageDAO;
     @Autowired private BubblePlanDAO planDAO;
 
     @Autowired private NotificationService notificationService;
@@ -566,6 +572,15 @@ public class StandardNetworkService implements NetworkService {
                     .setRegion(cloudAndRegion.getRegion().getInternalName())
                     .setLock(lock);
 
+            // notify user that new bubble is launching
+            accountMessageDAO.create(new AccountMessage()
+                    .setAccount(accountUuid)
+                    .setNetwork(network.getUuid())
+                    .setName(network.getUuid())
+                    .setMessageType(AccountMessageType.notice)
+                    .setTarget(ActionTarget.network)
+                    .setAction(AccountAction.start));
+
             // start background process to create node
             backgroundNewNode(newNodeRequest, lock);
 
diff --git a/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/fromEmail.hbs b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/fromEmail.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..07124186
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/fromEmail.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+no-reply@{{network.networkDomain}}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/fromName.hbs b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/fromName.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1178b0e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/fromName.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{{network.networkDomain}} System Account
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/message.hbs b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/message.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e427ebcd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/message.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+Hello {{account.name}},
+
+Congratulations, your new Bubble is launching. It typically takes about 20 minutes to set itself up.
+
+When your Bubble has finished its self-setup process, it will send you a message with a link to unlock it.
+
+You'll need to install the Wireguard application on each device that will connect to your Bubble.
+
+While you're waiting for your Bubble to be ready, go ahead and install the Wireguard application on each
+device you will connect to your Bubble.
+
+Instruction for installing Wireguard can be found here: https://bubblev.com/get-ready
+
+If you have any difficulties installing Wireguard or using your new Bubble, please contact support@bubblev.com
+
+Thank you for using Bubble!
diff --git a/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/subject.hbs b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/subject.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5dc63e4a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/email/notice/start/network/subject.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{{network.networkDomain}}: Your new Bubble is launching
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/sms/notice/start/network/message.hbs b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/sms/notice/start/network/message.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..873d9a7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bubble-server/src/main/resources/message_templates/en_US/sms/notice/start/network/message.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Your new Bubble is launching! This usually takes about 20 minutes. While you wait, get your devices ready: https://bubblev.com/get-ready
\ No newline at end of file