Question
Our app is user content driven and news-based. We want to simplify the user experience as much as possible, to ensure that a higher percentage of new users are easily on-boarded and exposed to our content and features. From an investor's perspective, they're also interested in the general size and quality of our database. In the early stage, are we better off simplifying (or even removing) the registration process to increase new members/eyeballs, and overall content consumption - OR - stick with a more thorough, gated process which includes capturing multiple data fields upfront (such as DOB/gender/etc.) with an SMS verification. In terms of the features of the app, the mobile number is not really required. It was just included for general security purposes and to increase the potential quality of content submitted.
I guess we're trying to understand whether potential investors would value a higher user base or a smaller, more thorough database.
Answer
You 'know' it is content driven, user based, and simplifying feeds this. You assume investors are needed. Why do you think it will not generate revenue? How does it make money? Try to prove your concept will fail and you may not need to ask them. Read the Lean Start-Up