A switching power converter with a controlled startup mechanism includes a switching stage which provides a voltage V.sub.out at an output node in response to a switching control signal, with the output node adapted for connection to a non-linear load. A feedback network compares a signal which varies with the current conducted by the load (I.sub.load) with a reference signal, and provides the switching control signal so as to maintain I.sub.load at a desired value. A capacitor connected to the output node provides a current I.sub.c to the feedback network which varies with dV.sub.out/dt. The feedback network is arranged to limit dV.sub.out/dt in response to current I.sub.c when I.sub.load is substantially zero. In this way, large inrush currents or damage that might otherwise occur during startup are avoided.