Systems and methods are described for improving the startup linearization of a power amplifier. A bias network is provided to generate a bias signal during amplifier startup, and the amplifier is configured to produce an output signal in response to the input signal and the bias signal. A variable impedance is provided to couple the input signal and the output signal in parallel with the amplifier. A controller is configured to apply a weighting function to the variable impedance over at least a startup phase of the amplifier system. By applying a non-linear or other weighting function to the variable impedance during startup, the gain of the amplifier can be controlled to thereby extend a time period over which the output power of the amplifier increases in a generally linear manner toward an operating level.