diff --git a/src/models/chat_model.py b/src/models/chat_model.py
index 1ed3267b..d62da34c 100644
--- a/src/models/chat_model.py
+++ b/src/models/chat_model.py
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ class OpenModel(OpenAIBase):
 class CustomModel(OpenAIBase):
     def __init__(self, model_info):
         model_name = model_info["name"]
-        api_key = model_info["api_key"]
+        api_key = model_info["api_key"] or "custom_model"
         base_url = get_docker_safe_url(model_info["api_base"])
         logger.info(f"> Custom model: {model_name}, base_url: {base_url}")