diff --git a/metagpt/config.py b/metagpt/config.py
index 48ac82a3a..bdf580a1f 100644
--- a/metagpt/config.py
+++ b/metagpt/config.py
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ class Config(metaclass=Singleton):
     default_yaml_file = METAGPT_ROOT / "config/config.yaml"
 
     def __init__(self, yaml_file=default_yaml_file):
+        self._init_cli_paras()
         self._init_with_config_files_and_env(yaml_file)
         self._update()
         logger.debug("Config loading done.")
@@ -130,8 +131,20 @@ class Config(metaclass=Singleton):
         self.workspace_path = Path(self._get("WORKSPACE_PATH", DEFAULT_WORKSPACE_ROOT))
         self._ensure_workspace_exists()
 
+    def _init_cli_paras(self):
+        self.project_path = None
+        self.project_name = None
+        self.inc = None
+        self.reqa_file = None
+        self.max_auto_summarize_code = None
+
     def update_via_cli(self, project_path, project_name, inc, reqa_file, max_auto_summarize_code):
         """update config via cli"""
+
+        # Use in the PrepareDocuments action according to Section 2.2.3.5.1 of RFC 135.
+        if project_path:
+            inc = True
+            project_name = project_name or Path(project_path).name
         self.project_path = project_path
         self.project_name = project_name
         self.inc = inc
diff --git a/metagpt/startup.py b/metagpt/startup.py
index 047f35cf6..37526dbcc 100644
--- a/metagpt/startup.py
+++ b/metagpt/startup.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
 import asyncio
-from pathlib import Path
 
 import typer
 
@@ -41,10 +40,6 @@ def startup(
     )
     from metagpt.team import Team
 
-    # Use in the PrepareDocuments action according to Section 2.2.3.5.1 of RFC 135.
-    if project_path:
-        inc = True
-        project_name = project_name or Path(project_path).name
     CONFIG.update_via_cli(project_path, project_name, inc, reqa_file, max_auto_summarize_code)
 
     company = Team()