diff --git a/pisa/pisad.py b/pisa/pisad.py
index 3bbf476..eae63ff 100644
--- a/pisa/pisad.py
+++ b/pisa/pisad.py
@@ -29,13 +29,16 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
         # FIXME: Leaving this here for future option/arguments
         pass
 
-    if can_connect_to_bitcoind():
-        if in_correct_network(BTC_NETWORK):
-            # Fire the api
-            start_api()
+    try:
+        if can_connect_to_bitcoind():
+            if in_correct_network(BTC_NETWORK):
+                # Fire the api
+                start_api()
+
+            else:
+                logger.error("bitcoind is running on a different network, check conf.py and bitcoin.conf. Shutting down")
 
         else:
-            logger.error("bitcoind is running on a different network, check conf.py and bitcoin.conf. Shutting down")
-
-    else:
-        logger.error("Can't connect to bitcoind. Shutting down")
+            logger.error("Can't connect to bitcoind. Shutting down")
+    except Exception e:
+        logger.error("There was an error while starting the daemon. Shutting down", error_args=e.args)
diff --git a/pisa/watcher.py b/pisa/watcher.py
index 10dc7a6..38c1a3d 100644
--- a/pisa/watcher.py
+++ b/pisa/watcher.py
@@ -22,11 +22,11 @@ class Watcher:
         self.max_appointments = max_appointments
         self.zmq_subscriber = None
         self.responder = Responder()
-        if SIGNING_KEY_FILE is not None:
-            self.signing_key = SigningKey.from_pem(open(SIGNING_KEY_FILE).read())
+
+        if SIGNING_KEY_FILE is None:
+            raise ValueError("No signing key provided. Please fix your pisa.conf")
         else:
-            self.signing_key = None
-            logger.warning("No signing key provided. Appointments will not be signed.")
+            self.signing_key = SigningKey.from_pem(open(SIGNING_KEY_FILE).read())
 
     def add_appointment(self, appointment):
         # Rationale: