diff --git a/tools/patman/project.py b/tools/patman/project.py
index d6143a6..e633401 100644
--- a/tools/patman/project.py
+++ b/tools/patman/project.py
@@ -18,7 +18,8 @@
     """
     top_level = gitutil.get_top_level()
 
-    if os.path.exists(os.path.join(top_level, "include", "u-boot")):
+    if (not top_level or
+            os.path.exists(os.path.join(top_level, "include", "u-boot"))):
         return "u-boot"
     elif os.path.exists(os.path.join(top_level, "kernel")):
         return "linux"