diff --git a/etc/init.rc b/etc/init.rc
index 983d91a..4efee30 100644
--- a/etc/init.rc
+++ b/etc/init.rc
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@
     symlink /dev/binderfs/binder /dev/binder
     chmod 0666 /dev/binderfs/binder
 
+    # Start essential services
+    start servicemanager
+
 on boot
     ifup lo
     hostname localhost