LaunchLater

Important services and applications usually get ready and automatically launch just as you reach the desktop. This can have a considerable impact on startup time and performance, but there are various solutions. For instance, LaunchLater can help you create a list of applications to launch at custom time intervals.

Individual configurator and launcher

It only takes a little while to get the application installed on your computer, but before the setup process and the application can run, it's best to make sure that your computer is fitted with .NET Framework, even though it usually comes in the default set of features with modern Windows iterations.
The application comes with two components, namely the app configurator, and the launcher. On the bright side, there's a preset configuration which uses Notepad, and Calculator, two default Windows tools, to show you what it's all about. You find them already set up in the configurator and you're free to remove them and create your own list of programs.

Delayed startup of a list of programs

Note that programs you add inside the configurator don't run on startup once set up, but are triggered only when running the launcher. You can only add files under the EXE format, with the possibility to include extra arguments if needed. You also need to specify the delay time in seconds from the moment the launcher runs.
When the launcher is active, a tray icon is created and shows the remaining time until configured programs are executed. You can individually pause them, or all at a time. In case you want the list to activate on startup, just place the launcher's shortcut inside the system Startup folder.

On an ending note

Bottom line is that LaunchLater is a practical method of preparing your workspace by launching all tools you work with at custom time intervals. Although not directly targeted at enhancing startup, it can also be used for a smart management of programs which can slow down Windows startup time.