diff --git a/install/nexus-install.sh b/install/nexus-install.sh
index 14da3f3..ce83cf1 100644
--- a/install/nexus-install.sh
+++ b/install/nexus-install.sh
@@ -122,6 +122,9 @@ cat >/etc/systemd/system/nexus.service <<EOF
 Description=nexus — Family Knowledge Hub
 After=network-online.target
 Wants=network-online.target
+# Skeleton-safe: only startable once the first deploy shipped the artifact
+# (otherwise a reboot before first deploy leaves the unit in failed state).
+ConditionPathExists=$CURRENT_DIR/start.sh
 
 [Service]
 Type=simple