We are in a pretty early stage. We have a beta of our web app ready, some user testing finished, and we're just about to do a launch. At this point we have two options:
So, which option should we go with? Less functionality in the web app plus mobile app launch, or more functionality in the web app and mobile launch later?
Option 1 - better user experience with the web app now, mobile app later. Here's why:
Validate your business / value proposition with the website first. Make it responsive so it supports mobile. Once you get traction, poll your users & find out if they want a native mobile app. If so, then commit to doing a native app.
Rationale: it is very difficult to make changes to the app (submit / approve / etc) to test things - and people quickly get update fatigue. App stores are chock full of crappy apps - so its extremely difficult to get visibility / presence on there. And with mobile apps, many believe you only get one shot to make a great impression.
Also to consider: if you are charging for the service, expect to get the runaround from apple who will want their 30% cut of the subscription.
Businessman thinks marginally. With same input, he always pick the choice with more output.
For your app, though there is no measurement of profit at this time, you can review your business goals for this decision.
What is your most critical business goal at this stage? Gaining capital, acquiring users or establishing branding? Which choice could help you to achieve this goal quickly with SAME effort?
Though it's your job to answer the above questions, I personally prefer the web app because it's near done. Say with 100 hours work you can perfect the web app to some extent, but end with a half-baked mobile app.