I can't speak to a change in this over the pandemic, but after doing this kind of work for over 15 years (helping hardware startups make hardware, often as a consultant, sometimes as an employee) the companies that end up being successful are the ones that are more flexible and have the attitude of securing the right talent (either consulting or direct, full or part time) at the right time and not so much on the details that dont truly matter. It's about finding the right person with the right skillset and then just saying "we want your help, what will that take?" and then doing that. The ones that have preconceived notions of things and then try to put these talented and in demand people into those preconceived boxes don't end up getting anywhere.

Good, smart, successful people who have a track record of delivering have options, lots of options. Your company just needs to be one of the best options. If your not one of the best options, you are not getting the best talent. If you are not getting the best talent you cannot lead your industry. If you cannot lead your industry, it's difficult to compete as a startup against entrenched players who dont need to demonstrate 10x returns to their investors.

Edited - typo