Digital multi-sided platforms (MSP) bring together different parties by enabling interaction between them. Unfortunately little is known on how digital MSPs can be designed. This research aims to contribute to solving this problem by adding knowledge on design principles of multi-sided platforms in the nascent stage of development using design science research. It does so by applying the design cycle of Verschuren & Hartog on the case of platform start-up company Checkmetrix. Execution of one full design cycle results in development of a MSP for the Dutch foodservice industry and the evaluation and development of eight principles that can inform the design of early stage digital MSPs. The main contribution of this research is development of the principle that platform startups in markets where one side of the market is a large enterprise should focus on development of a value-creating product for a side of the market with small players.