diff --git a/loader/preloader.c b/loader/preloader.c
index 97d36066b28..a10558bc929 100644
--- a/loader/preloader.c
+++ b/loader/preloader.c
@@ -144,6 +144,16 @@ struct wld_link_map {
 };
 
 
+/*
+ * The __bb_init_func is an empty function only called when file is
+ * compiled with gcc flags "-fprofile-arcs -ftest-coverage".  This
+ * function is normally provided by libc's startup files, but since we
+ * build the preloader with "-nostartfiles -nodefaultlibs", we have to
+ * provide our own (empty) version, otherwise linker fails.
+ */
+void __bb_init_func() { return; }
+
+
 /*
  * The _start function is the entry and exit point of this program
  *