> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.axiomprotocol.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.axiomprotocol.io/whitepaper/bootstrap-phase/why-bootstrap-mode-exists.md).

# Why Bootstrap Mode Exists

Axiom’s governance model relies on:

* A large base of stakers
* Stable snapshot data
* Active participation from top 50 percent stakers
* Fresh resolution voters
* Distributed proposer activity

At launch, none of this exists. There are:

* No stakers
* No one in the top 50 percent
* No one eligible to create markets
* No one eligible to resolve outcomes
* No governance infrastructure operating at scale

This creates the classic **cold start** problem. Without governance, there are no markets. Without markets, there is no yield. Without yield, there is no incentive to stake.

Bootstrap mode solves this by temporarily allowing a controlled, transparent group to create markets and resolve outcomes until organic participation is large enough.


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