diff --git a/internal/cluster/orchestrator.go b/internal/cluster/orchestrator.go
index b28409c..76cb422 100644
--- a/internal/cluster/orchestrator.go
+++ b/internal/cluster/orchestrator.go
@@ -107,6 +107,13 @@ func (o *Orchestrator) Startup(ctx context.Context, opts StartupOptions) (err er
 		if readErr != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("read startup intent: %w", readErr)
 		}
+		if currentIntent.State == state.IntentStartupInProgress {
+			o.log.Printf("warning: detected stale startup intent from a previous interrupted run; clearing it before continuing")
+			if clearErr := state.MustWriteIntent(o.cfg.State.IntentPath, state.IntentNormal, "auto-clear stale startup intent", "startup"); clearErr != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("clear stale startup intent: %w", clearErr)
+			}
+			currentIntent = state.Intent{State: state.IntentNormal}
+		}
 		if currentIntent.State == state.IntentShuttingDown {
 			return fmt.Errorf("startup blocked: shutdown intent is active (%s)", currentIntent.Reason)
 		}