S3E18: From Self-Taught Developer to Ruka Founder: Dean Kabasa's Journey Building Ruka

WhatsApp is becoming a storefront, sales desk, and support channel for businesses. In this episode, Dean shares how Ruka is using AI to help businesses manage those conversations and turn them into practical actions. Dean traces his path from experimenting with software on a second-hand computer to building products for businesses across different industries. He reflects on what he learned from developing tools for video clubs, payroll systems, telecoms, and other real-world needs, and how those experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. He also explains how Ruka grew from a custom solution into a platform that helps businesses use AI for sales, customer support, bookings, and operations through WhatsApp. The conversation explores the company’s shift toward affordable, self-serve tools for small and medium businesses, as well as how partnerships, product positioning, and distribution have supported its growth. Dean shares his perspective on AI as a way to make starting and running a business more accessible. Rather than focusing only on automation, he considers how AI can free up time, help small teams do more, and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs. This episode is for founders, business owners, and anyone curious about how AI can solve everyday business challenges, especially when it meets customers on platforms they already use.