DoubleClick Full of Beenz

Beenz, launched last March with the intention of creating an Internet economy based on its currency incentive model, signed a promotion deal with ad network DoubleClick Inc.

Under the terms of the agreement, DoubleClick will work with beenz.com to encourage its roster of Web sites to join the beenz program and distribute beenz currency. In addition, beenz.com will promote its product in an ad campaign across DoubleClick’s network. Spending was not disclosed.

Beenz said that in 13 weeks, the company has developed a network of more than 135 ‘traders’ or Web sites in 15 different categories.

“In fewer than two months, the circulation of beenz across the Web has grown to more than 75 million. With the DoubleClick agreement, we are poised to build upon our strong base and make beenz the standard form of currency on the Web,” said Philip Letts, CEO of beenz.com.

“beenz.com has developed an innovative marketing concept that is a natural complement to advertising on the Web,” said Jonathan Shapiro, vice president of business development at DoubleClick. “The universal appeal of beenz makes it a valuable marketing tool for our sites and a fun way for consumers to interact on the Web.”

Consumers earn the beenz electronic credits for a variety of tasks like visiting a particular Web page or filling out a questionnaire. They can be redeemed for items such as merchandise, discounts or upgrades.

beenz.com is a private company founded in 1998 and registered in the UK and the United States with backing from private investors on both sides of the Atlantic.

beenz.com functions as the portal or directory for all active beenz promotions across the Web, grouped in categories including movies and music, people and chat, news and media, games and parties, books, sports, malls and stores, auctions, food and beverages, gifts and fashion, home and garden, travel and real estate.