This paper focuses on the start-up strategy of a high-speed 100-kW brushless dc motor with small inductance using a voltage comparator. This paper includes three key technique contributions: 1) determining zero-speed positioning, 2) removing high-frequency disturbances, and 3) optimizing the controller parameters. The sensorless low-current start-up strategy is based on an amplification circuit: a low-pass filter circuit and a signal modulate circuit. The amplification circuit is used to amplify the amplitude of back electromotive force for detecting the rotor position at low speed, the low-pass filter circuit is used to remove high-frequency disturbances, and the signal modulate circuit is used to obtain the rotor position signal. A hysteresis control strategy is proposed against the load disturbance in the start-up stage. Experimental results show that the proposed sensorless start-up strategy can realize a low-current start-up.