diff --git a/xos/synchronizers/vpn/steps/sync_vpntenant.yaml b/xos/synchronizers/vpn/steps/sync_vpntenant.yaml
index a7c67e3..7bf1a25 100644
--- a/xos/synchronizers/vpn/steps/sync_vpntenant.yaml
+++ b/xos/synchronizers/vpn/steps/sync_vpntenant.yaml
@@ -77,4 +77,4 @@
     when: {{ clients_can_see_each_other }}
 
   - name: start openvpn
-    shell: openvpn {{ pki_dir }}/server.conf
+    shell: openvpn {{ pki_dir }}/server.conf &