I met Andrew Klein founder of Spotzer at last years ETRE in Barcelona. At this time Spotzer made first headlines as a alpha version but it has progressed tremendously since then. Time for an interview with Andrew:

1) What does Spotzer do?

Spotzer makes video advertising affordable for businesses around the world. We offer small and local businesses a library of pre-produced, ready-to-air video ads. Clients can buy a license to use an ad with a degree of exclusivity that matches their needs and budget. We will then personalize the ad using the client's unique logos, pictures, slogans and contact information. We also help clients plan and buy highly targeted spots on television, web and out of home TV.

2) What is the story of Andrew Klein? Tell us more about your earlier career and why you decided to become an entrepreneur?

I am the son of two entrepreneurs. I never seriously considered doing anything other than starting my own business, though I did go to law school and through six years of a legal career. I just thought I had to learn a few skills first, and save some money. Eventually, I took my first bet, starting a beer company in 1992 at the age of 32.

A few years later, I got lucky. The beer business was struggling to find investors. I came up with a scheme to offer shares in my beer company to beer enthusiasts who liked our Wit beer, and I decided to try to use the Internet to reach out to target investors. When it turned out that this stock offering was the first ever online, the beer company became very famous. Beer sales improved from the publicity and I started a new company, Wit Capital, to help other companies use the Internet to raise capital. Our little online investment bank eventually partnered with Goldman Sachs and itself went public on NASDAQ. By 2000 we employed 600 people and generated $400 million of revenues.

3) Spotzer has raised impressive piles of cash. How did you do it? And for what is all that money?

We are onto an opportunity that could be very large, but it is capital intensive. We are investing in systems that will automate several aspects of media planning and buying. And we are investing in making commercials for our library. And we are building sales and marketing teams in several countries at once. We raised the money we need to execute an ambitious plan. Investors are supporting us because they too believe the opportunity is very large.

4) Why do you think Spotzers business model will fly?

Technologies are enabling more and more media outlets to offer video advertising platforms that are highly targeted, both in terms of geography and demography. Local advertisers would like to use these media to attract and retain customers. But still, how will small companies afford high quality creative content. We believe we can solve the cost problem without sacrificing quality.

Interesting statistic: 37 percent of all ad spending goes to video (mainly TV.) But for small businesses less than 1 percent of ad spending goes to video. The point is video communication is more powerful than print or audio only. Given the chance, we expect a larger percentage of small business advertising will move to video.

5) Which plans do you have for the company near and mid-term?

We have our heads down, focused on execution a very ambitious plan to launch our sales and revenues in three countries at one time. Then we want to expand rapidly into other major countries. At the same time we are building our next generation of technology and infrastructure and entering into some very meaningful strategic relationships. We cannot see any further than that.

6) What are your plans as an entrepreneur? What is your next big thing after Spotzer?

This is my fifth start up. I like to think it will not be my last. But I have never tried to do more than one thing at any time. I know some people can do that. I just don't think I can do that.

7) What do you think about philanthropy or rocket building - any big ideas to save the planet?

I spent time last year looking for opportunities in the clean energy space. I really wanted to do something there because I am sure there are unprecedented opportunities to align commercial success with really necessary innovation. However, it was very difficult. I am not a scientist. I don't know much about energy. In the time I spent on the projects that seemed interesting, I could not get comfortable I knew enough to predict anything. It would be nice to someday take another look, though it is probably safe to say I have more chances sticking to the Internet.

Here are some snapshots from one of Spotzers ready made ads - more on spotzer.com.