From experience, part time / contractors for early stage startups are usually counterproductive. They just won’t be committed, loyal, and giving 120%, while incurring massive management overhead. Don’t believe I’ve ever seen a success story.

Proper full time employees or don’t hire at all.

it depends.

a senior contractor that can spin things up quickly and effectively can often have a lot of impact with less long term financial commitment required from the startup.  

it’s often v expensive to get someone great full time.