Slow startup

Does anyone know why it takes so long for EM client to load? I am running the latest version with a paid personal license. It usually takes about 8 seconds before I see the splash screen and then it will take another 20-30 seconds before the splash screen goes away and the program is displayed. This is on the first startup after booting up the computer. Subsequent startups are usually faster- about half the time but still noticeably slower than my previous email client Thunderbird which starts up in 3-4 seconds every time.